Maternity and paternity leave in otolaryngology residency training in the United States

Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis This study evaluates the existence and nature of maternity and paternity leave policies for residents during otolaryngology training. The study sought to survey program directors (PDs) on the impact of parental leave. Study Design Cross‐sectional survey. Methods An electronic survey was sent to 103 otolaryngology residency PDs. A link to a 10‐page, 30‐question survey was provided. Descriptive statistics and comments were collected. Results Forty‐one respondents (39.8%) completed the survey, all of whom were from university‐based programs. Programs from the Midwest (n = 11, 26.8%), Northeast (n = 12, 29.3%), South (n = 12, 29.3%) and West (n = 6, 14.6%) were represented. Sixteen (42%) programs reported having a written formal maternity leave policy for trainees, and 13 (32%) programs had a paternity‐specific policy. Four programs reported using short‐term disability, whereas 11 programs reported using the Family Medical Leave Act to accommodate parental leave. Policies primarily followed the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and American Board of Otolaryngology guidelines, with factors such as clinical duties and call schedules left to the programs' discretion. Although the majority of PDs (56%) reported support of residents who planned to become pregnant during training, many expressed concerns regarding the burden on co‐residents and the difficulty of fulfilling training obligations for the resident taking leave. Conclusions Many institutions do not have parental leave policies and logistics regarding leave are left to the discretion of individual programs. Surveyed PDs addressed the challenges of becoming a parent during training and the potential burden placed on the program when trainees take leave. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 129:1093–1099, 2019

Perception of male otolaryngologists on gender discrimination: a comparative study

“…The family medical leave act, short-term disability, and official vacation rights are used as basis for parental leave in the US. Some program directors still have negative attitudes towards maternity leave because of increased workload on co-residents on duty and delayed training of female residents during their maternity leaves [6]. In Turkey, the paid maternity leave is 13 weeks.…”

Parenting While in Training: A Comprehensive Needs Assessment of Residents and Fellows

“…[7][8][9][10] However, trainee perceptions about parenting challenges and resources are not completely understood. Most studies examining trainees with children focus on 1 specialty 9,[11][12][13][14][15][16] or examine 1 aspect of parenting-parental leave, [17][18][19][20] childcare, 1 or lactation. 21 Information about the needs of trainees with children across specialties is needed to inform institutional and national policies.…”

Otolaryngology residents' experiences of pregnancy and return to work: A multisite qualitative study

“… 27 However 42% of Otolaryngology program directors report having an official written maternity leave policy. 5 Proactively discussing departmental policies and educating faculty can normalize the process of pregnant residents requiring individualized accommodations. 28 Improved parental leave and breastfeeding accommodations have been shown to reduce burnout.…”

“…4 , 5 Despite a strong push in graduate medical education (GME) literature for parental leave and breastfeeding policies, a third of general surgery programs and half of otolaryngology programs do not have any in place. 5 , 6 Additionally, there is concern from program directors that becoming a parent negatively affects trainees. 5 , 6 , 7 The insufficient leave and work load was concerning to trainees as a factor negatively impacting their or their baby's health.…”

“… 5 , 6 Additionally, there is concern from program directors that becoming a parent negatively affects trainees. 5 , 6 , 7 The insufficient leave and work load was concerning to trainees as a factor negatively impacting their or their baby's health. A third of general surgery residents considered leaving residency and would discourage childbearing medical students from going into surgery.…”