Don’t Put All Your Eggs In One Basket!

Now, you might be wondering what this article is about. The expression “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” refers to not relying entirely on one plan or course of action. This is especially pertinent for female physicians considering their futures, both professionally and personally.

Today, I want to share some sometimes painful truths we need to be aware of. As female physicians, we often juggle immense responsibilities. We dedicate our lives to caring for others, frequently at the expense of our own needs. This sacrifice is noble, but it can have unintended consequences, particularly when it comes to starting a family. Statistics show that infertility affects 1 in 4 female physicians, compared to 1 in 6 in the general population. This significant difference highlights the need for increased awareness and proactive measures regarding fertility among women in medicine.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Yemi Famuyiwa, a renowned fertility specialist and an advocate for women’s health on my podcast, The Mental Health and Wellness Show. Our conversation shed light on the challenges female physicians face in balancing their careers with their personal lives, particularly regarding fertility.

One of the most critical aspects of this discussion is the biological clock. As women, we have a limited window of opportunity to conceive naturally. The demanding nature of the medical profession often leads to delayed family planning, which can result in unintended and heartbreaking consequences.

Dr. Famuyiwa shared, “We need to create a system that is designed for us. The healthcare system was not designed for women.” This statement underscores the systemic issues that female physicians encounter daily. The demands of medical training and practice often coincide with the prime reproductive years, making it difficult for women to prioritize starting a family.

Reflecting on her experiences, Dr. Famuyiwa noted, “I did my residency in OB-GYN, and I’ve always been fortunate to be in institutions that have been extremely supportive of all the female doctors. But not everyone is as fortunate.” Her story highlights the disparity in support systems across different institutions. While some provide robust support for female physicians, others lag, leaving women to navigate these challenges alone.

If you want to have children, please don’t let work obligations or guilt hold you back, as we only have a limited window to have children. The life of medicine is often filled with sacrifice, but frankly, the sacrifice of having the joys of children wasn’t one I was willing to make. It might not be easy, as there could be negative work-related consequences in having children, as I experienced in practice, but in the end, it is worth it to have the privilege of raising children.

Dr. Famuyiwa emphasized the importance of institutional support in helping female physicians manage their fertility. “We need to call out to our institutions to be well aware. We need to have curriculum in medical school to tell our graduating medical students, because they’ll be coming out, you know, in their late 20s or early 30s, and increase their awareness and give them the bandwidth to do something about it.”

One crucial aspect of managing fertility is considering egg freezing. Dr. Famuyiwa explained, “It doesn’t take that much time to freeze your eggs. The stimulations tend to be 10-12 days, and then you go for egg retrieval. If you are near a facility that’s extremely supportive, where they’re flexible with your monitoring, you can maximize the time you might be taking off to get this done.”

Egg freezing provides a viable option for female physicians to preserve their fertility while continuing to pursue their demanding careers. It offers a sense of control and flexibility, allowing women to plan their families on their terms.

Dr. Famuyiwa shared a poignant story from her practice: “In my practice, I’ve taken care of a lot of doctors and medical residents too, and I try to accommodate their schedules. I know, you know, when someone’s been in labor and delivery up all night, I’m not going to be forcing them to monitor their appointment at 7 am. I get it, and I work with their schedules because I know what they’re going through.”

This level of understanding and flexibility is crucial in supporting female physicians through their fertility journeys. Dr. Famuyiwa’s practice exemplifies how healthcare institutions can make a significant difference in the lives of their female doctors by providing the necessary support and resources.

For those in positions of power within healthcare institutions, Dr. Famuyiwa offers a compelling message: “We are your colleagues. We are the troops in the trenches. We are the army that you deploy to go out and take care of patients. If you take care of us, you are taking care of yourselves. The healthier your female doctors are, the more they can put in, and the more you get out of it.”

Supportive institutions create an environment where female physicians can thrive both personally and professionally. As Dr. Famuyiwa noted, “When I started having kids, the hospital administration was so supportive. They gave us our own space. I would go in this room with other young attendings, breastfeeding, sharing stories. They gave us access to the best breastfeeding team at no cost. It was one of the best things, and it made me feel supported and cared for.”

Unfortunately, not all female physicians experience this level of support. Many face significant challenges. Personally, this topic resonates deeply with me. My experience was the exact opposite of what Dr. Famuyiwa described. I didn’t have the support I needed, and it was incredibly draining. Returning to work felt overwhelming, and I struggled with exhaustion. It became evident that systemic changes are necessary to create a more supportive environment, as some current systems can feel punitive to those navigating both career and family responsibilities.

It’s important to recognize that there are different seasons in life, and it’s okay to adjust your career aspirations to accommodate your family goals. As Dr. Famuyiwa wisely advised, “There is nothing wrong with choosing your employment that works for you. You can always rev it up when they graduate. Now I’m an empty nester, and I still feel my full vitality. I feel excited. There are different seasons in your life, and you can accommodate your family aspiration in each season. Do what works for you.”

The journey of a physician is marked by dedication, resilience, and a commitment to serving others. However, it’s also a journey that encompasses the profound desire for personal fulfillment, including the joy of raising a family. As we continue to navigate the complexities of medicine, let us remember not to put all our eggs in one basket – let’s diversify our priorities and investments to include our own well-being and future happiness. Remember that it’s okay to prioritize your personal dreams alongside your professional aspirations. After all, a fulfilled and happy physician is a better caregiver for their patients.

Until next time,

Dr. Tomi Mitchell