Presented by: Jessica Wenzel MD
Oregon Health & Science University

Introduction

Urology as a field has historically been male dominated, although now has an increasing number of women in the workforce. Peak reproductive years frequently overlap with residency training and early attending years. Exposure to ionizing radiation is a common occupational hazard in many procedural specialties. Other specialties that use radiation, such as interventional cardiology and interventional radiology, have shown little adjustments in practice patterns and no adverse outcomes amongst pregnant physicians in their fields in the setting of appropriate radiation safety measures. However, the impact of occupational radiation exposure during pregnancy for urologists is largely unknown. Our objective was to determine perception, characterize experience,and report on practices of urologists who have previously been pregnant during their urology career.  

Materials

An anonymous online survey was distributed through relevant society membership bases and social media. Demographics, practice patterns, changes to practice patterns, and experience variables were recorded for respondents. Statistical analysis was performed in R studio.  

Results

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There were 384 respondents, 255 of whom identified as women. Of these, 164 had been previously pregnant. Female respondents were younger, completed training more recently, and were more likely to have adjusted their caseload due to radiation concerns compared to their male counterparts. Of women who had been pregnant, few had access to policies for who to notify (19%), policies for safety precautions (22%), custom-fitted lead (35%), and maternity lead (20%). Most women (66%) relied on their own research for guidance on radiation safety during pregnancy, while some (41%) also used information from colleagues or mentors. Most did not know if their fetal dosimeter dose was within the safety limit. 46% of women would have taken greater precautions during pregnancy than they did.  

Conclusion

Access to the proper tools to safely navigate pregnancy is inconsistent amongst practicing urologists. Evidence-based guidelines are needed to better empower pregnant urologists. 

Funding

None

Lead Authors

Michelle Jo Semins, MD
West Virginia University

Co-Authors

Casey Seideman, MD
Oregon Health & Science University