Current Parental Leave Policies for Medical Students at U.S. Medical Schools: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Purpose Parental leave for new parents is essential as they adjust to the physical and psychological changes that accompany childbirth and caring for a newborn. This study sought to determine the current state of parental leave policies for medical students at medical schools in the United States. Method From November to December 2019, 2 researchers independently reviewed the websites of 199 U.S. MD-granting and DO-granting medical schools (including in U.S. territories). Online student handbooks and school webpages were searched for the following keywords: “pregnant” OR “pregnancy” OR “maternity” OR “parent” OR “family” OR “child” OR “birth.” Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Fisher’s exact tests evaluated differences in proportion by group. Results Of 199 schools, 65 (32.66%) had parental leave policies available online or in the handbook: 39 of 155 (25.16%) MD-granting and 26 of 44 (59.09%) DO-granting schools. Of those policies, 59 (90.77%) were included in the student handbook. Most policies (28, 43.08%) were included as an option within the school’s general leave of absence policy. Both parents were included in 38 (58.46%) policies; 23 (35.38%) policies mentioned only mothers; and 4 (6.15%) were unknown. An option to maintain original graduation date was offered in 21 (32.1%) schools’ policies. Three schools (4.62%) included adoption as qualifying for parental leave. When comparing MD and DO programs, DO programs were statistically more likely to have a parental leave policy: 39 (25.16%) vs 26 (59.09%); P < .001. Conclusions Balancing medical school with pregnancy and childbirth necessitates administrative support to address the inherent scheduling challenges. Currently, many schools lack parental leave policies for medical students that are easily accessible, are separate from formal leaves of absence, allow for at least 12 weeks, and are tailored to the student academic year to ensure on-time completion of medical education.

Elements of Pregnancy and Parenthood Policies of Importance to Medical Students and Included in a Sample of Medical Schools' Websites and Student Handbooks

“…Kraus et al surveyed medical schools' websites in 1999 and found using different methods that 33% of medical schools (65/199) had parental leave policies listed on their websites. 2 We similarly found, for the two related of the seven items, that 45% (15/33) had information about “how a student arranges for maternity/paternity leave” and 27% (9/33) had “how much time a student can take off during medical school and still graduate with their class” ( Table 1 ).…”

“…Our work is closest to the recent study by Kraus et al, wherein 33% of medical schools (65/199) had parental leave policies listed on their websites; our results matched showing validity of our different methodology. Our current study adds to the knowledge of these earlier studies 2 , 9–11 by showing what information to provide in listed searchable, public policies on medical student pregnancy and parenthood. Our study was distinct from Kraus et al 2 in that they established the presence of any parental leave policy at each school, compared with the content of the policies.…”

“…Our current study adds to the knowledge of these earlier studies 2 , 9–11 by showing what information to provide in listed searchable, public policies on medical student pregnancy and parenthood. Our study was distinct from Kraus et al 2 in that they established the presence of any parental leave policy at each school, compared with the content of the policies.…”

“…In addition, primary care includes women's health, integral to our topic of interest. 8 Future studies could use all schools like those done by Kraus et al 2 …”

“…More than 1000 (≅7%) of U.S. medical students graduating in 2020 were parents. 1 Nevertheless, most medical school lack publicly accessible policies about parental leave 2 and associated topics that students need to know when choosing schools and coordinating plans for parenthood and schooling. The purpose of our study was to investigate what content to include in medical schools' policies about pregnancy, breastfeeding, and maternity leave.…”