Parental leave policies in general surgery residencies

• Published in: The American journal of surgery 2024-07, Vol.233, p.25-28
• Main Authors: Engelbrecht-Wiggans, Emily A., Sundel, Margaret H., Newland, John J., Seyoum, Nahom, Brown, Rebecca F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Availability; Bone surgery; Careers; Family leave; General surgery residency; Maternity & paternity leaves; Medical education; Medical students; Orthopedics; Parental leave policy; Parents & parenting; Paternity; Policies; Statistical analysis; Surgery; Websites
• ISSN: 0002-9610; 1879-1883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2023.12.017

Prospective residents use program websites to glean information regarding parental leave policies. This study investigates the online availability and content of parental leave policies for general surgery residency programs. Parental leave policy information was collected from general surgery residency program and Graduate Medical Education (GME) websites. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used for analysis. Of the 344 general surgery residency programs, parental leave policies were found on 6% of program and 52% of GME websites. Family Medical Leave Act policies were reported the most, followed by maternity, then paternity, and then adoption/other clauses. Academic programs, program location in the Southeastern US and larger program size were all significant predictors of online policy availability. General surgery parental leave policies vary and are not readily available online. These findings identify a significant opportunity for surgery residency programs to improve the disclosure of parental leave policy information. •ACGME requires parental leave policy availability during the application process.•Parental leave policy content varies amongst general surgery residency programs.•Parental leave policies are not readily available for general surgery applicants.