How does becoming a parent change you as a surgeon?
- “When you have a toddler melting down, it forces you to learn patience and how to diffuse a tense situation.”
- “It forced me to structure my day better, and to use my time more efficiently.”
- “You really start to appreciate that time after 5:00 p.m.”
At a recent roundtable discussion on pregnancy and early parenthood in orthopaedics, new and experienced parents, including Dr. Lisa Howard, Dr. Jeff Potter, Dr. Helen Crofts, Dr. Lily Garcia, and Dr. Carrie Kollias, shared their experiences balancing careers and family life. The roundtable was part of an emerging series of UBC Ortho Mentorship & Wellness talks, focused on addressing the big questions facing those early in their surgical careers.

The roundtable offered a mix of practical tips and reassurance: “Finding a daycare spot can be a nightmare, do not underestimate that. Put your name on daycare lists and apply widely,” and “wanting to be a parent and a surgeon are not mutually exclusive choices.”
For those contemplating pregnancy, Dr. Lily Garcia shared some insights from the work she did to research and write Occupational Hazards and Pregnancy in Orthopaedics. Orthopedic surgeons and trainees can face unique potential risks to their fertility and pregnancies that include exposure to radiation, bone cement, surgical smoke, long hours, and night shifts. These risks can be mitigated by an informed strategy.
Garcia and panel colleagues emphasized that no one should be forced into a situation they are uncomfortable with, and the changing culture of orthopaedic surgery means that teams are more supportive than they have ever been.
“One thing that really helps is, if you’re comfortable with it, to let people you work with know what you are going through. Find someone who will have your back, whether that’s a colleague or a supervisor.” Advocate for yourself as much as possible, but don’t try to do it all on your own.
For those who chose parenthood, the consensus was: “The hardest thing is having kids, but the best thing is having kids,” even if there is no “right” time when it comes to deciding to start a family during residency or fellowship, or to wait until you are more established in your career and have a better sense of financial stability.
“What’s right for you is right for you,” said one panel guest.
What’s next?
- Join the UBC Mentorship & Wellness team for the next roundtable Things I Wish I Had Known: The First 5 Years of Practice. The event will feature Dr. Dave Cruickshank, Dr. Brad Ashman, Dr. Lise Leveille, and Dr. Carrie Kollias.
- The event will take place on November 24, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
- RSVP via Qualtrics, and bring your most urgent questions: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5cdkPtIRTQrMj1s