[Call for a massive expansion of all-day childcare]
Dieter Bitter-Suermann 11 Medizinischer Fakultätentag der BRD, Berlin, Germany
Abstract
Of all the measures to ensure family-friendliness for students and doctors of both genders in professional development at medical universities, the best solution is a guarantee of full-time studies and full time training because it does not unnecessarily extend the already long 12-year educational and training phase. The most effective measure to prevent a career break is the massive expansion of all-day childcare (7am to 7pm), crèches (from age 8 weeks or more ideally over 6 months), kindergartens (3-6 years) and school care (from age 6 at primary school age). This childcare must be accompanied by holiday care and emergency care.
It’s nothing but a drop in the ocean to off a university kindergarten which does not meet the needs of the medical school in any shape or form. Medical schools and university hospitals, including medical students, have a separate demand level which by far outstrips current supply. Financing construction projects must be approached with an element of creativity, including the program allowance for research infrastructure, supporting young talent in teaching, doctorals and professional development are all part of this equation. Any other measures for family-friendliness are good but clearly secondary.
Competing interests
The author declares that he has no competing interests.
