Transforming Perceptions: The Impact of a Formal Parental Leave Policy on Surgical Trainees

• Published in: Journal of surgical education 2024-06, Vol.81 (6), p.816-822
• Main Authors: Corbisiero, Michaele Francesco, Acker, Shannon N., Bothwell, Samantha, Christian, Nicole
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: maternity leave; parental leave policy; paternity leave; resident wellness; surgical education reform; surgical training
• ISSN: 1931-7204; 1878-7452
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2024.03.007

•A single, academic department of surgery developed and implemented a new residency parental leave policy.•The new policy significantly improved the program's ability to meet trainees’ needs during pregnancy and early parenthood, from 15.0% in 2022 to 68.0% in 2023 (p < 0.001).•The new policy increased residents’ perceptions of equity surrounding parenthood and leave, from 20.0% in 2022 to 88.0% in 2023 (p < 0.001).•After implementing the new policy, concerns about the policy negatively affecting a trainee's child-rearing experience decreased from 52.5% in 2022 to 4.0% in 2023, and perceptions that the institution was unsupportive of breastfeeding also decreased significantly, from 47.5% in 2022 to 12.0% in 2023.•Despite improved perceptions related to the policy, a majority of residents still viewed pregnancy as a risk during surgical training (90.0% in 2022 and 80.0% in 2023). Additional wellness and policy research is needed to better support residents and their transition to parenthood. Surgical trainees who welcome a new child during residency often face challenges related to appropriate parental leave. To address this, we instituted a comprehensive family medical leave policy within our training program and assessed resident perceptions before and after the policy's introduction. We hypothesized that this new formal policy would enhance feelings of support amongst all (not just childbearing) trainees. A web-based survey to gauge resident perceptions on parental leave was distributed to all residents at a single academic general surgery residency at 2 intervals: prior to policy implementation and 1 year after policy implementation. The study was conducted at a single institution, academic general surgery residency program. All general surgery residents at the institution were included (n = 95). About 40 out of 95 (42%) residents participated in the initial survey and 25 of 95 (26%) completed the subsequent survey. There was a significant improvement in resident reported satisfaction with the policy from pre to post: 15% pre to 68% post, p < 0.001, report the policy frequently supported trainees' needs, 20% pre to 88% post, p < 0.001, perceived the policy as fair. Most residents (90.0% pre and 80.0% post) perceived pregnancy as a risk during surgical training. There were no differences in perception of the new policy between residents who were parents and residents who were not parents. The introduction of a comprehensive family medical leave policy im