Response letter to “Navigating parenthood during medical training”

Abstract

As a scheme director in GP training, I read O’ Brien’s study of parenting among medical specialist trainees with interest.

Some of those who report that they will leave specialty training may become late entrants to the competition to train in my discipline instead. I fear that their expectation of a family friendly education may remain unmet.

There are indeed more graduate opportunities in general practice and career options may ultimately be more flexible. On the other hand, the training years may be no less arduous than what they have left behind. While nominally of only four years duration, training often extends over 5 or more years due to maternity and increasingly, exceptional, parental and parents leave...