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Occupational Hazard? An analysis of birth outcomes among physician mothers

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Listed:
  • Jena, Anupam B.
  • Slusky, David
  • Springer, Lilly

Abstract

The long, physically demanding hours that physicians, particularly surgeons, work during their training could impact physician mothers’ birth outcomes. Using Texas birth data from 2007 to 2014, we compare birth outcomes between physicians and lawyers and between surgeons and non-surgeon physicians. We then examine whether the 2011 duty hour reform, which lowered trainee work hours, impacted those birth outcomes. We find that physicians have an increased incidence of having low birth weight and small for gestational age infants, with the results driven by surgeons. In addition, we find that the duty hour reform is associated with a reduction in the incidence of small for gestational age infants for younger physicians.

Suggested Citation

  • Jena, Anupam B. & Slusky, David & Springer, Lilly, 2026. "Occupational Hazard? An analysis of birth outcomes among physician mothers," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:260:y:2026:i:c:s0047272726001167
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2026.105680
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    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J44 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Professional Labor Markets and Occupations
    • K32 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Energy, Environmental, Health, and Safety Law

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