Surviving the OR as a Pregnant Surgeon

Hey everyone! We’re Chris, Hannah, and Emmett Herring. If you’re new to our newsletter, welcome. Once a month, you’ll usually catch Hannah giving a quick highlight/encouragement from life inside the hospital and me (Chris) sharing thoughts about life outside the hospital. Ideally, you’ll find both relevant and worth the read.

February was full of travel (Dallas, Orlando, Portland, Chicago) and March is one of the most important month of the year for 4th year med students and residency programs across the country. So we’re sharing a full recap of Feb and then some rank list tips for med students, and ideas for preparing/transitioning for residency. Hannah’s also covering what it’s like being 26 weeks pregnant and managing the OR as a chief resident. So let’s dive in.

But first…Emmett had a Valentines Day photo shoot and the pictures couldn’t have come out any better!

On Deck

• February Recap - Chris Herring

• Rank List and The Match 2025 - Dr. Hannah Thompson, DO, MS

• Tips for Running the OR at 26 Weeks Pregnant - Dr. Hannah Thompson, DO, MS

• Hottest Scrub Brand in 2025

• What to expect in March - Chris Herring

February Recap

Dallas, TX
Orlando, FL
Portland, OR
Philadelphia, PA
Chicago, IL

February was a logistically exhausting month for us both. It’s rare I (Chris) have to do this much traveling in a single month, but I was speaking at a few events and spending time with a few customers. So despite being gone more than I was home, it was a success!

And the best part of the Orlando trip was that Hannah and I got to do that together. She had an OBGYN event at one of the Disney resorts, so the two of us spent the week away as just “us”. First time we’ve done that since Emmett was born and it was a really special time! Aside from the work we were doing while we were there, we were really able to enjoy time together. We celebrated valentines day, our wedding anniversary, and even spent a half day in Epcot. It was amazing.

As much as I love what I do for work, any time I leave, it creates a lot of additional challenges for Hannah and Emmett. ie. schedules, finances, nanny coverage, grocery shopping, meal prepping, etc… Hannah did an incredible job holding down the fort and keeping a routine for Emmett while I was away. I know it’s tough for them and if you’re a parent in medicine - you do too.

Fortunately, I’m now home and home for a good 5~6 weeks. So we’re soaking it up and enjoying it.

Today’s March 5th - which means Rank Lists are due. With so much uncertainty head, we know what you feel. We know the stress of putting this list together. We know you’re exhausted, scared, excited, and hopeful all at the same time.

So here are a few tips for navigating this challenging time:

1. Acknowledge the Stress

It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at this stage. After months (and even years) of hard work, clinical rotations, and countless interviews, the weight of this decision can feel immense. You didn’t just ranking programs; you considered your future, your happiness, and your well-being. Give yourself permission to feel stressed, but remember that feeling uncertain doesn’t mean you made the wrong decision.

2. Remember That No Rank List is Perfect

It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of the "perfect" Rank List, but no such list exists. The Match process is inherently unpredictable, and many factors—location, program culture, your fit with the team—play into the outcome. Hopefully, you trusted your gut and rank the programs that you felt provided you with the best opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.

3. Prioritize What Matters to You

At this point, you likely have a good sense of what each program offers, both in terms of training and lifestyle. 

Ask yourself:  

- Work-life balance: How important is this for you, especially as you enter the next phase of your medical career?  

- Geographic location: Are you looking to be closer to family, or do you want to explore a new part of the country or world?  

- Program culture: Do you want a collaborative, supportive environment, or do you thrive in a more competitive setting?  

- Specialization focus: Does the program align with your long-term career goals? Will you get the training and mentorship you need to succeed in your chosen specialty?

These questions are not all encompassing, but help in planning for what’s next.

4. Avoid Overthinking and Paralyzing Doubt  

It’s common to second-guess yourself during this process. You might wonder if you made the right decision or if you overlooked a better opportunity. If you find yourself stuck in a cycle of doubt, step back and remind yourself:  

- You’ve done the hard work to get here.  

- No program is perfect, and there will be pros and cons to every option.  

- You’re making the best decision you can with the information you have right now.  

Sometimes, it's helpful to talk it out with trusted friends, mentors, or family members who can offer a fresh perspective and help you trust in your judgment. But know that at the end of the day you are the one that will be completing the residency, so trust in your decision. 

5. Don’t Let Fear of Rejection Influence Your Rankings

It’s natural to feel apprehensive about the possibility of not matching with your top programs, but don’t let that fear dictate your Rank List. If you truly want to train at a certain program, rank it higher, even if it feels like a "reach." Similarly, don’t rank programs just because they seem like "safe" options. Your well-being and professional growth depend on being in an environment where you can thrive.

6. Take Breaks and Manage Your Stress 

Rank list decisions don’t have to be made in one sitting. Give yourself time to step away from the list to clear your mind and de-stress. Take breaks, get outside for a walk, talk to friends or family, or engage in activities that help you recharge. If you find yourself feeling paralyzed by stress, remember: your mental health and clarity will benefit from a bit of space.

7. Trust the Process  

The Match process is complex, and its outcome is influenced by factors beyond your control. But one thing is certain: no matter where you end up, you will be equipped with the skills and resilience you need to succeed. This is a pivotal step, but it is just one part of your journey in medicine.

8. Final Tip: Submit It and Move On 

Once you’ve finalized your list, submit it. Give yourself some peace of mind by avoiding the last-minute rush and technical glitches. Ensure you’re happy with your choices and just click submit. Don’t allow it to hang over your head until the last minute. 

Please know that we have walked through this journey and know how stressful and unpredictable it can be. We are here to support you and will always be in your corner.

With this being my second pregnancy in residency, there’s a lot I’ve learned when it comes to managing life in the OR. I’ve not many others talk about this, so here are my 5 tips to surviving a pregnant surgeon. 

1. Stay hydrated. I try to drink 10-12 oz before every OR case. With my first pregnancy I would try to avoid fluids before my cases to prevent from having to leave and use the bathroom. What I found was that I felt super sluggish and drained by the end of the case. So, trust me and get yourself an Owala water bottle and drink up! 

2. OR attire. Pick the more thin and breathable blue gowns. Ditch the top pair of gloves when you can. All of this helps prevent you from overheating especially during long cases. And I never scrub a case without my go to compression socks and my favorite Calzuro shoes. 

3. Eat. This one has always been super difficult for me as I have struggled with nausea during both of my pregnancies. So, I have started focusing on incorporating nutrient dense foods to help with nausea and blood sugar regulation. This has made a huge difference with my stamina in the OR. 

4. OR temperature. The recommended operating room temperatures for surgery are between 68-75*F. So, if the OR is warm and I anticipate a longer case, I will often call for the temperature to be adjusted. Small changes can make a huge difference especially as a gyn surgeon. 

5. Communication is key. I always make sure to tell the OR staff that I’m pregnant so that they are aware if I were to ever not feel well or if there were to be an emergency. I have learned that communicating my needs in the OR helps me feel empowered to voice concerns.

What Scrubs Are Taking Over in 2025?

It’s been really cool to see Hannah talk about things she likes and doesn’t like about her work as an OBGYN. For years, I’ve heard her talk about scrub brands, try dozens of them, and struggle to like any particular one over another.

UNTIL she tried Soleya Scrubs.

They’re high-end scrubs that give the quality feel of a lululemon or Vuori. After trying one pair, she now owns every color and style they offer. They’re her go to scrubs when she’s not operating. Perfect blend of comfort, style, and flexibility.

Because she loved them so much, it’s created an opportunity to get to know their founders really well. They’re a Doctor and Nurse couple out of Seattle, Washington. Two incredible people who have a passion for healthcare, but wanted to make the attire they work in every day be something people loved and feel good about wearing every day.

So we’d highly recommend you check them out! They’re a company worth supporting with a product you’ll absolutely love! You can check out their instagram page here.

What’s happening in March?

If you’re not already following us on Instagram, we’d love to have you be a part of what’s happening there.

This month (March) we’re focusing on topics like buying and selling a home since we’re starting this process in prep for graduation in June, relationships and marriage in medicine, and tips for transitioning into and out of residency. With the Match being 2 weeks away, we know there’s a lot of change about to take place. So we’ll be here to support families every step of the way.

As always, thanks for reading.

Lastly, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you want to say hey, share your story and have it highlighted in our community spotlight, meet us personally over a Zoom call, collaborate with Other Side Med, or anything else you can think of…shoot us a message.

See you in April!

Hannah, Chris, Emmett, and Ollie (baby #2 due June 2025)