To Be a Pregnant Surgeon—Is There Anything to Be Afraid of?

Abstract

Background: Women who decide to become a surgeon are afraid of motherhood. The aim of this study was to establish the opinions of patients and doctors on the professional activity of pregnant surgeons (PS). Methods: The study was conducted on a group of respondents consisting of doctors and patients. The study was carried out using a questionnaire of 12 questions. Results: 1074 doctors and 657 patients responded to the survey. Doctors, especially non-surgeons, significantly more often believed that PS should stop working in the operating theatre immediately after pregnancy confirmation. Most patients thought that operations performed by PS are normal, whereas the doctors more often considered it heroic or irresponsible. Doctors more often mentioned fear of financial stability and fear of losing their reputation as reasons for working by PS. Most respondents claimed that it made no difference whether they were operated on by PS or not. However, patients significantly more often declared their willingness to be operated on by PS. Conclusions: The study showed that female surgeons may have slight concerns about how they will be perceived by colleagues and patients. However, most respondents, patients significantly more often, believed that working during pregnancy is the natural course of things.