Parental leave policy information during residency interviews

Abstract

Background During interviews, medical students may feel uncomfortable asking questions that might be important to them, such as parental leave. Parental leave policies may be difficult for applicants to access without asking the program director or other interviewers. The goal of this study is to evaluate whether parental leave information is presented to prospective residents and whether medical students want this information. Methods Fifty-two program directors (PD’s) at 3 sites of a single institution received a survey in 2019 to identify whether parental leave information is presented at residency interviews. Medical students received a separate survey in 2020 to identify their preferences. Fisher exact tests, Pearson χ2 tests and Cochran-Armitage tests were used where appropriate to assess for differences in responses. Results Of the 52 PD’s, 27 responded (52%) and 19 (70%) indicated that information on parental leave was not provided to candidates. The most common reason cited was the belief that the information was not relevant (n = 7; 37%). Of the 373 medical students, 179 responded (48%). Most respondents (92%) wanted parental leave information formally presented, and many anticipated they would feel extremely or somewhat uncomfortable (68%) asking about parental leave. The majority (61%) felt that these policies would impact ranking of programs “somewhat” or “very much.” Conclusions Parental leave policies may not be readily available to interviewees despite strong interest and their impact on ranking of programs by prospective residents.

Parental Leave Policies in the Top 20 US Hospitals: A Call for Inclusivity and Improvement

“…Ninety-two percent of respondents in a survey of medical students reported wanting parental leave policies to be formally presented in interviews and 68% reported feeling uncomfortable asking about parental leave. 35 Similarly, qualified faculty candidates could also feel uncomfortable asking about parental leave policies during the interview process, although it could be important to them when choosing a position.…”

SUPPORT: SUrvey of Parental Leave POlicies of RadiaTion Oncology Programs and Residency Applicants

“…[the] institutional policy(ies) for vacation and leaves of absence, including medical, parental, and caregiver leaves of absence.” 7 Our data from both applicants and PDs suggest a meaningful number of programs have presented parental leave data verbally ( Table 4 ), despite many applicants citing hesitancy to broach the topic of parental leave due to perceived concerns of possible discrimination. 9 Verbal presentation may additionally have contributed to poor recollection of information presented. Based on the findings here, we encourage programs to maintain an updated program website and consider presenting parental leave policies in slide deck or handout materials in addition to their contract materials.…”

“…Previous studies have shown that residency applicants seek information regarding work–life balance and that there is a need for improved transparency in communicating parental leave policies during the residency interview process. 9 , 10 Considering these national changes to parental leave policies that will affect future residents nationwide, we sought to characterize the state of parental leave policies in radiation oncology residency programs and examine how applicants prefer to obtain this information.…”

Correction to: Parental leave policy information during residency interviews

“…Correction to: BMC Medical Education (2021) 21:623 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-021-03067-y Following publication of the original article [1], we have been informed that the authors Jillian A. Maloney, Skye A. Buckner-Petty and Natalie H. Strand were incorrectly affiliated. Also, the affiliation address for the author Sharonne N. Hayes was incorrect.…”