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A brand new research revealed in The Annals of Thoracic Surgical procedure affords uncommon perception into what it is prefer to develop up because the little one of a cardiothoracic (CT) surgeon mom, revealing a strong mix of challenges, inspiration, and resilience.
The research, designed and initiated by Mara Antonoff, MD, College of Texas MD Anderson Most cancers Middle, chair of the The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Council on Member Engagement, and president of Girls in Thoracic Surgical procedure (WTS), with contributions from medical scholar Tanisha Rajah, MS, College of Birmingham Medical Faculty, and Marianna Papageorge, MD, Yale-New Haven Hospital in addition to different members of the WTS Analysis Committee, surveyed grownup kids (ages 18 and older) of girls cardiothoracic surgeons.
Whereas earlier analysis has centered on how a surgeon’s profession impacts spouses or companions, this research is the primary to heart on the voices of kids. Survey respondents shared firsthand reflections on how their moms’ demanding careers affected their upbringing, values, and household dynamics.
Here is a have a look at the important thing findings:
88.6% of respondents described their relationship with their CT surgeon mom as overwhelmingly optimistic.
66.6% cited monetary stability as a advantage of their mom’s occupation.
58.3% seen their mom as a task mannequin, crediting her with instilling core values like accountability and independence.
41.6% stated their mom’s profession sharpened their essential pondering and problem-solving abilities.
On the identical time, 41.6% reported that restricted time and emotional presence, particularly throughout early childhood, remained a persistent problem.
“What surprised me most was the overwhelmingly positive perspective,” stated Dr. Antonoff. “While limited time together was often noted by the children of cardiothoracic surgeon mothers, their reflections highlighted pride, admiration, and personal growth far more than strain.”
What the findings imply
Respondents acknowledged the sacrifices made by their moms, together with missed household time and heightened emotional stress as a consequence of unpredictable schedules. But in addition they emphasised how witnessing these sacrifices instilled deep respect, resilience, and, in some instances, a want to pursue a profession in medication themselves.
“This study illustrates how mothers play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s values and aspirations, highlighting the critical importance of achieving a healthy work–life balance,” stated Rajah. “In surgery, prioritizing this balance is essential not only to enable women surgeons to reach their full professional potential, but also to ensure their children can fully benefit from the inspiration and example their mothers provide.”
A name for widespread assist
Many individuals pointed to systemic limitations that made it more durable for his or her moms to be current throughout their childhood. Echoing these considerations, the authors known as for extra widespread implementation of supportive insurance policies by well being care establishments, akin to:
Medically staffed on-site childcare
Versatile scheduling
Paid parental go away
Formal mentorship applications tailor-made to surgeon-parents
“The policy changes that would make the largest impact are those that address the greatest challenges for surgeon-parents: time, access, and flexibility,” stated Dr. Papageorge. “Institutions should provide affordable childcare centers that are available during extended hours and equipped with backup systems and flexible sick policies. And for trainees, flexibility in training duration, fellowship timing, and exam scheduling would help ensure parental leave is a realistic option.”
Because the variety of ladies coming into cardiothoracic surgical procedure continues to develop, the specialty faces a essential alternative to foster a office the place skilled excellence and parenthood aren’t mutually unique, and the place supportive insurance policies and a tradition of understanding and adaptability are prioritized.
“These insights directly challenge the outdated notion that a career in cardiothoracic surgery is incompatible with family life,” Dr. Antonoff stated. “By amplifying the voices of children, we show that surgeon-mothers can have a profoundly positive impact at home and in the specialty.”
Extra info:
Tanisha Rajah et al, Parenting from the OR: The Distinctive Challenges and Optimistic Impacts on Youngsters Raised by Cardiothoracic Surgeon Moms, The Annals of Thoracic Surgical procedure (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2025.03.029
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The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
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Parenting from the OR: Examine spotlights experiences of kids raised by ladies cardiothoracic surgeons (2025, September 24)
retrieved 24 September 2025
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