Faculty Collaboration Database

Can I Leave? Perspectives on Parental Leave and Parenthood in Medical Training Among Program Directors and Trainees in Oncologic Specialties. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024 Feb;33(2):218-227

Date

11/27/2023

Pubmed ID

38011014

DOI

10.1089/jwh.2023.0200

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85179389889 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)

Abstract

Purpose: Peak fertility commonly occurs during medical training, and delaying parenthood can complicate pregnancies. Trainee parental leave policies are varied and lack transparency. Research on the impacts of parenthood on trainee education is limited. Methods: A Qualtrics-based survey was distributed via e-mail/social media to program directors (PDs) within oncologic specialties with a request to forward a parallel survey to trainees. Questions assessed awareness of parental leave policies, supportiveness of parenthood, and impacts on trainee education. Statistical analyses included descriptive frequencies and bivariable comparisons by key groups. Results: A total of 195 PDs and 286 trainees responded. Twelve percent and 29% of PDs were unsure of maternity/paternity leave options, respectively. PDs felt they were more supportive of trainee parenthood than trainees perceived they were. Thirty-nine percent of nonparent trainees (NPTs) would have children already if not in medicine, and >80% of women trainees were concerned about declining fertility. Perceived impacts of parenthood on trainee overall education and academic productivity were more negative for women trainees when rated by PDs and NPTs; however, men/women parents self-reported equal impacts. Leave burden was perceived as higher for women trainees. Conclusions: A significant portion of PDs lack awareness of parental leave policies, highlighting needs for increased transparency. Trainees' perception of PD support for parenthood is less than PD self-reported support. Alongside significant rates of delayed parenthood and fertility concerns, this poses a problem for trainees seeking to start a family, particularly women who are perceived more negatively. Further work is needed to create a supportive culture for trainee parenthood.

Author List

Beltrán Ponce S, Jagsi R, Florez N, Thomas CR Jr, Banerjee A, Jasti S, Bailey MM, Lawton CAF, Johnstone C, Clarke CN, Bedi M, Jovanovic M, Saeed H

Authors

Anjishnu Banerjee PhD Associate Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Manpreet Bedi MD, MS Professor in the Radiation Oncology department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Callisia N. Clarke MD Chief, Associate Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Candice A. Johnstone MD, MPH Professor in the Radiation Oncology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Child
Education, Medical, Graduate
Female
Humans
Internship and Residency
Male
Parental Leave
Pregnancy
Self Report
Surveys and Questionnaires