Faculty Collaboration Database

Examining the cost of childcare in general surgery training. Am J Surg 2025 Dec;250:116496

Date

06/27/2025

Pubmed ID

40571466

DOI

10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116496

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-105009065769 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   2 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Childcare costs are rising across the United States, posing potential financial challenges for general surgery residents who earn fixed stipends. This study evaluates the cost of childcare in relation to resident salaries across geographic regions.

METHODS: General surgery residency programs were identified using FREIDA™. 2023-2024 PGY-1 salaries were compared to regional childcare costs from the National Database of Childcare Prices. Childcare affordability was modeled for single- and dual-income households, including scenarios with two children.

RESULTS: Median PGY-1 salary for 2023-2024 was $62,974 (137 ​% increase from 2008) and infant care cost was $13,772 (150 ​% increase). Childcare consumed 20 ​% of resident salaries nationally and up to 35 ​% in high-cost states. Meeting the HHS 7 ​% affordability benchmark requires median additional household income of $126,219.

CONCLUSIONS: These data quantify the economic relationship between resident salaries and childcare costs across regions. This information may inform discussions regarding family support resources during surgical training.

Author List

Wilson DJ, Drezdzon MK, Ridolfi TJ, Hu KY, Peterson CY, Ludwig KA, Calata JF

Authors

Jed Calata MD Associate Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Katherine Hu MD Assistant Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Kirk A. Ludwig MD Chief, Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Carrie Peterson MD, MS, FACS, FASCRS Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Timothy J. Ridolfi MD, MS, FACS Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Child
Child Care
General Surgery
Humans
Infant
Internship and Residency
Salaries and Fringe Benefits
United States