Navigating Pregnancy and Parenthood During Otolaryngology Training and Beyond

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT

Location: 138

Disclosure(s):

Noor-E-Seher Ali, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Dana L. Crosby, MD, MPH:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Tiffany A. Glazer, MD, FACS:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Henya Sandhaus, DO:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: In a recently published systematic review, researchers highlighted significant challenges faced by pregnant surgical residents, including an increased risk of obstetrical complications compared to the general population. Key residency-related predictors of complications included:
1. Working more than six overnight call shifts.
2. Working over 60 hours per week.
The review also revealed a persistent issue within surgical training: negative attitudes and perceptions toward pregnant residents. These stigmas persist despite evidence showing that pregnant residents perform equally to their peers in areas such as attrition rates, caseload completion, and board exam success. Another study further underscored the strain, reporting that 39% of surveyed residents had strongly considered leaving surgical training due to pregnancy-related challenges, and nearly 30% discouraged female medical students from pursuing surgical specialties.
As we strive to enhance gender diversity in surgical fields, these findings underscore the urgent need to address both systemic barriers and cultural stigmas. This panel will explore ways to better support childbearing surgeons and foster a more inclusive surgical environment. Join Dr. Dana Crosby (Chair/Program Director, SIU), Dr. Tiffany Glazer (Program Director, UW-Madison), and Dr. Henya Sandhaus (Fellow, University of Utah) as they share insights on navigating pregnancy and parenthood during otolaryngology training. Discussions will include actionable steps and discussion of a proposed pregnancy protocol designed to improve safety, support, and equity for pregnant surgeons.

Learning Objectives:

Recognize the professional and personal barriers female surgeons face during pregnancy and motherhood.
Explore ways colleagues, staff, and leadership can actively support pregnant residents and address cultural challenges.
Understand the importance of formal policies and protocols to create a safer and more supportive environment for pregnant surgeons.

Moderator(s)

Noor-E-Seher Ali, MD

Taking a break
TBD
Springfield, IL, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Panelist(s)

Dana L. Crosby, MD, MPH

Chair, Residency Program Director, and Professor
Southern Illinois University
Springfield, IL, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Tiffany A. Glazer, MD, FACS

Associate Professor, Vice Chair of Education, Residency Program Director
University of Wisconsin
Madison, WI, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Henya Sandhaus, DO

Assistant Professor
University of Florida - Gainesville
Gainesville, FL, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.