fbpx

Let’s Normalize Infertility in the Healthcare Workplace

Let’s Normalize Infertility in the Healthcare Workplace

Dawn L Baker MD shares how being a medical professional doesn’t insulate you from the shame and stigma of an infertility diagnosis.

After I had a child through in vitro fertilization, I became one of the lead anesthesiologists at the reproductive center where I had been treated.

I loved connecting with my patients, allaying their fears and anxieties about at least this one little part of what is commonly a complex infertility journey.

You’re safe with me. I’ve been where you are, and I will take care of you.

 

Then one of my colleagues became my patient.

Of the four anesthesiologists in our group that worked at the reproductive center, she had to have me.

She refused to tell anyone else at work about her struggles.

She’d scramble to get shift coverage with every twist and turn of her IVF cycles, compounding the stress on an already anxiety-provoking situation. Then I’d have to make sure I was available to take care of her any time she needed a retrieval.

Why? Because she was that serious about keeping it a secret. She was so adamant that she was willing to undergo retrievals without anesthesia.

You heard that right… without anesthesia.

 

I’ve never been quiet about my infertility, but many women suffer in silence.

My colleague is an extreme example.

Being a medical professional doesn’t insulate you from the shame and stigma of an infertility diagnosis.

Furthermore, caring for patients as a doctor and working in a group practice with shared patient care and call duties while being a patient yourself presents a unique set of stressors. Our work schedules are often completely incompatible with the ever-uncertain timing of an IVF cycle.

 

Being a medical professional doesn’t insulate you from the shame and stigma of an infertility diagnosis. Click To Tweet

 

Through multiple private Facebook groups, I’ve learned of other women physicians all over the country who’ve forgone anesthesia for retrievals so they can return to work afterwards.

I’ve learned of reprimands for “too many unplanned absences.”

And I’ve learned of numerous situations where physicians had to completely change their work schedules or even their practices due to their infertility.

 

If this is happening in healthcare workplaces, it’s happening in other professions.

Why can’t we embrace our personal and family needs as an integral foundation to our performance and fulfillment at work?

In this landscape of widespread burnout, infertility affects workplace wellness for all of us.

 

The reality is this:

Infertility is a medical diagnosis.

Miscarriage is a death in the family.

An egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure.

Would you sneak chemo treatments around your work schedule without asking for help from your partners?

Would you get a colonoscopy, eye procedure or hernia repair without anesthesia just so you could return to work unnoticed?

 

Would you sneak chemo treatments around your work schedule without asking for help from your partners? Would you get a colonoscopy, eye procedure or hernia repair without anesthesia just so you could return to work unnoticed? Click To Tweet

 

Let’s treat infertility the way we treat other health issues that can get in the way of our practices. The first step is talking about it.

Do you have a compelling personal story you’d like to see published on SoMeDocs? Find out what we’re looking for here and submit your writing, or send us a pitch.

Share

Earn CME

This learning experience is powered by CMEfy - a platform that brings relevant CMEs to busy clinicians, at the right place and right time. Using short learning nudges, clinicians can reflect and unlock AMA PRA Category 1 Credit.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

AD

Earn CME

This learning experience is powered by CMEfy - a platform that brings relevant CMEs to busy clinicians, at the right place and right time. Using short learning nudges, clinicians can reflect and unlock AMA PRA Category 1 Credit.

Tweet Me

More from SoMeDocs

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get updates and learn from the best

Cooking Tips and Tricks with Dr. Danielle

Blueberry Power Bowl [VIDEO]

Dr. Danielle shows us how to make a dish full of good-for-you protein, fiber, probiotics, and antioxidants , in this episode of “Cooking Tips & Tricks with Dr. Danielle”

Retreat for Personal Growth

Retreat for Personal Growth

Dawn L Baker MD, MS writes that sometimes, the answers are right in front of you, but a retreat is what you need to realize them.

David Norris, MD, MBA

Negotiate as a Physician and Win

Catch this 8-part series, hosted by physician & business consultant David Norris, MD, MBA & produced by Dana Corriel, MD. Learn to be a stronger negotiator with these important tactics.

My “Go To” Spices for Indian Food: Beginner’s Guide

The Doctor’s Food

In honor of our upcoming virtual Lifestyle Medicine conference, we thought it would be fun to share some of what doctors eat (and prepare!), released regularly. Bottoms’ up!

Cheng Ruan, MD

Cheng Ruan, MD

Burnout is the delta between our expectations and perceived reality.

Want More?

Be a part of the healthcare revolution.
Don't miss a thing SoMeDocs publishes!

Disclaimer: SoMeDocs assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, claims, or content of the individual experts' profiles, contributions and courses. Details within posts cannot be verified. This site does not represent medical advice and you should always consult with your private physician before taking on anything you read online. See SoMeDocs' Terms of Use for more information.

follow us

© 2023 SoMeDocs. All Rights Reserved.

Support A Platform that Celebrates Real Doctors

For just $10 a month, you can help keep this openly accessible site available to all & help us sponsor in more doctors.

Interested in the must-read, unique content from our magazine?

Lifestyle Medicine conference

A Virtual Event, June 9-11, 2023

15 speakers, 3 days,
loads of valuable content.

I acknowledge that this site is not to be used for medical advice.

Play Video
Our Founder Answers Your BURNING Question

SoMeDocs

“Why should I become a member of SoMeDocs if I already have my own space online?”

What We Bring to the Practice of Medicine

We feature books!

And they’re written by experts!

Site SoMeDocs Logo, square

WANT TO STAY IN THE LOOP?

DON'T MISS A SINGLE CONTENT PIECE.