Name
#57 Continuing Surgical Practice During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding among Military Medical Officers
Speakers
Content Presented on Behalf of
International Delegates
Services/Agencies represented
International/Non-US Delegate
Session Type
Posters
Room#/Location
Prince Georges Exhibit Hall A/B
Focus Areas/Topics
Policy/Management/Administrative
Learning Outcomes
1. The session intends to enhance the awareness of attendees towards the special problems which arise for female military surgical residents in case of pregnancy.
2. Attandees will learn about the legal and administrative pitfalls in the quest for a solution to these problems.
3. Attendees will be presented with a model of a structured and supportive framework which allows the safe continuation of surgical practice for pregnant and breastfeeding medical officers, within the legal limits of the German Maternity protection act.
2. Attandees will learn about the legal and administrative pitfalls in the quest for a solution to these problems.
3. Attendees will be presented with a model of a structured and supportive framework which allows the safe continuation of surgical practice for pregnant and breastfeeding medical officers, within the legal limits of the German Maternity protection act.
Session Currently Live
Description
Background: The increasing number of female medical professionals in surgical specialties faces significant career interruptions due to pregnancy and parental leave during critical phases of specialist training. This challenge is particularly pronounced among female medical officers performing surgical procedures, leading to potential setbacks in professional development and operational readiness.
Objective: To develop and implement a framework that enables pregnant and breastfeeding female medical officers to safely continue their surgical training and duties, aligning professional advancement with family planning while adhering to legal and health regulations.
Methods: The Departments of Neurosurgery, Trauma Surgery, and Orthopedics at the Armed Forces Hospital in Westerstede (Germany) have developed a conceptincluding family-friendly policies and structural adjustments to support continued surgical engagement during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The framework is grounded in compliance with the Maternity Protection Act (MuSchG) and the Maternity Protection Regulation for Female Soldiers (MuSchSoldV), ensuring legal adherence and health safety.
Key components of the framework include:
• Individual Risk Assessment: Prompt and thorough evaluation of workplace hazards specific to pregnant and breastfeeding surgeons, conducted in collaboration with occupational safety specialists and physicians.
• Protective Measures Implementation: Introduction of evidence-based safety protocols such as mandatory preoperative screenings for infectious diseases (e.g., Hepatitis C, HIV), usage of protective equipment (e.g., double gloves, protective visors), limitation of physical strain (e.g., reduced standing time, availability of seating during procedures), and avoidance of exposure to radiation and hazardous substances.
• Flexibility and Support: Provision for immediate role adjustments and the right for the medical officer to modify or cease surgical duties based on personal health considerations, with institutional support ensuring no professional disadvantage.
Results: The implemented measures facilitated the safe continuation of surgical practices for several pregnant and breastfeeding medical officers without compromising patient care or professional training quality. The approach demonstrated improved work-life balance, reduced career interruptions, and maintained operational efficiency within the medical units.
Conclusion: A structured and supportive framework allows female medical officers to continue surgical duties during pregnancy and breastfeeding safely and effectively. Such initiatives promote gender equality, enhance professional development, and ensure sustained healthcare service delivery. Evaluation and adaptation of these measures are essential to meet individual needs and uphold the highest standards of occupational health and safety.