Juggling the responsibilities of parenthood and the demands of a career in medicine can lead to challenges in both areas of life. During CHEST 2025, a diverse panel of physician-parents at different stages in their careers will share their experiences and practical strategies for fostering balance and thriving in these roles.
Alicia Mirza, MD, will chair the session Navigating Career and Parenthood: Strategies for Work-Life Harmony at 1:30 pm CT on Sunday, October 19, in McCormick Place, Lakeside Center, Room 353A.
“One of the things that motivated us to create this session was an advisory called ‘Parents Under Pressure’ put out last year by the US Surgeon General, which stated that 41% of parents and caregivers are sometimes so stressed they can’t function and nearly 50% of parents said that most days their stress is completely overwhelming compared to other adults,” said Dr. Mirza, the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) Wellbeing Director at Stanford University.
While that advisory was not specific to a clinician audience, she said it highlights the need to recognize and address the personal and professional challenges parents face in today’s society and its impact on their mental health and well-being.
“Parenting is challenging, and a career in medicine, in general, is challenging, and the often high-stress and demanding nature of a career in PCCM only amplifies those challenges,” Dr. Mirza said. “For clinicians in our specialty, it’s really important for us to work together as a community to implement strategies to help people navigate these challenges that intersect every day for many individuals.”
Panelists for the session include Malvika Kaul, MD, Associate PCCM Fellowship Program Director at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, who will bring an early career perspective to the discussion; Meghan Ramsey, MD, Associate Chief of Strategy and Critical Care Networks and CCM Program Director at Stanford University School of Medicine, who will share a midcareer perspective; and M. Patricia Rivera, MD, FCCP, Past President of the American Thoracic Society and Chief of PCCM at the University of Rochester Medical Center, who will offer insights from a senior faculty perspective.
Whether attendees are parents, planning for the future, or supporting colleagues, Dr. Mirza said, this session will offer valuable takeaways, including strategies for managing time, the importance of setting boundaries, and how to use workplace resources to effectively manage professional responsibilities with parenting demands.
“The most important thing we want people to know is that they are not alone,” Dr. Mirza said. “There are strategies that work, and seeking support from your institutions and from your peers can make a huge difference. We want people to leave this session feeling validated and empowered, less isolated, and feeling more equipped to face the challenges of navigating work and family.”
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