Culture of surgery must change to support working parents, says royal college

Surgeons who are parents must be offered greater support and flexibility in their jobs as part of a major cultural shift within the specialty, a report from the Royal College of Surgeons of England has urged.The report, Parents in Surgery,1 documents issues related to parenthood that affect surgeons and recommends changes in culture and practice. It was commissioned in response to a review by Helena Kennedy QC in March 2021,2 which identified supporting parents as a key area for the college to focus on to improve the professional environment, change the perception of surgery, and attract and retain a diverse workforce.Testimonials were heard from surgeons who had experienced discrimination, been inadequately supported, or felt judged for working less than full time, being pregnant, or being a parent. Some trainees fear discrimination over job prospects if they discuss flexible working plans or take parental leave. Others defer starting a family, which…
Read Original Article: Culture of surgery must change to support working parents, says royal college »