OBJECTIVES Resident parents are at the intersection of converging challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and their perspective has yet to be explored. This qualitative study aimed to identify themes related to the experience of pediatric resident parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We performed semi-structured interviews with pediatric residents who were also parents. Using thematic analysis, transcripts were analyzed iteratively until theoretical sufficiency was achieved. RESULTS 12 residents were interviewed from 9 pediatric residency programs. Five major themes, representing conflicts or tensions experienced by participants, were defined by the data: (1) Duty as a doctor versus duty as a parent; (2) Balance of work obligations versus childcare challenges; (3) Appreciation of added support versus worry about peers' perceptions of accommodations; (4) Gratitude for the recognition of challenges faced by resident parents versus fear of reversion to the norm; and (5) Protective impact of parenthood versus challenges to mental health. CONCLUSIONS Both parents and healthcare workers faced innumerable challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this exploration of the experiences of pediatric resident parents provides a unique lens for examining the tensions that this group faced. Our results may allow residency programs to better support their pediatric resident parents during this crisis.
Pediatric Trainees as Parents: Perspectives from a Pandemic.