034IC - Reproductive Health and Fertility Preservation in Urologic Surgeons and Trainees

There is evidence in the literature of higher rates of infertility in physicians, though the information is not necessarily readily available to physicians or trainees. As residency training and early career advancement often occur during prime years of fertility and childbearing if physicians choose to do so, knowledge of options for fertility preservation and rates of infertility as well as the impact of training on pregnancy is important to physician well-being, and personal as well as professional planning. Trainees may not be aware of these issues or be uncomfortable discussing them with more senior physicians, potentially missing out on an important resource in their education. This course intends to provide current information regarding physician fertility and infertility, discuss options for fertility preservation, occupational safety considerations as they relate to fertility and childbearing, and provide a framework for physicians and senior trainees/fellows to discuss these issues with trainees concerned about the impact of these issues on their professional and personal development.