Childcare problems are compounded for dual doctor couples

McNally correctly identifies that many of the challenges affecting parents who are doctors are compounded for trainees with frequent rotations and often long commutes.1 Being a dual doctor couple, which has become increasingly common, further compounds the problem. The degree of influence that trainees have over their rotations varies considerably across grade, region, and training programme. We started a family during higher specialty training, but there are many parents in foundation or early specialty training who are even more vulnerable to these problems, with shorter rotations and even less agency. Most trusts lack an on-site nursery, which is of limited use when both parents are working in different places. Our friends and colleagues who rely on family might seem to have a better deal, but these arrangements often strain personal relationships and can be vulnerable to changes of health or circumstance.2Less than full time (LTFT) working has allowed my wife...