Global parental leave in surgical careers: differences according to gender, geographical regions and surgical career stages

Abstract

Background There is a lack of information regarding the provision of parental leave for surgical careers. This survey study aims to evaluate the experience of maternity/paternity leave and views on work–life balance globally. Methods A 55-item online survey in 24 languages was distributed via social media as per CHERRIES guideline from February to March 2020. It explored parental leave entitlements, attitude towards leave taking, financial impact, time spent with children and compatibility of parenthood with surgical career. Results Of the 1393 (male : female, 514 : 829) respondents from 65 countries, there were 479 medical students, 349 surgical trainees and 513 consultants. Consultants had less than the recommended duration of maternity leave (43.8 versus 29.1 per cent), no paid maternity (8.3 versus 3.2 per cent) or paternity leave (19.3 versus 11.0 per cent) compared with trainees. Females were less likely to have children than males (36.8 versus 45.6 per cent, P = 0.010) and were more often told surgery is incompatible with parenthood (80.2 versus 59.5 per cent, P < 0.001). Males spent less than 20 per cent of their salary on childcare and fewer than 30 hours/week with their children. More than half (59.2 per cent) of medical students did not believe a surgical career allowed work–life balance. Conclusion Surgeons across the globe had inadequate parental leave. Significant gender disparity was seen in multiple aspects.

Gender distribution and women leadership in German Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery

“…In general female surgeons have children less likely than male surgeons. 45 However, German women have a mandatory maternity leave of 6 weeks prior and 8 weeks after birth, whilst receiving 80% of their salary paid by their health insurance and having employee's protection against dismissal 46 Additionally, 14 months of paid (capped at max. 1800€ per month) and 24 months of unpaid parental leave can be taken by either parent.…”

“…For instance, a gender pay gap is reduced in German hospitals by applying collective agreements for most positions defining the salary with no respect to gender. In general female surgeons have children less likely than male surgeons 45 . However, German women have a mandatory maternity leave of 6 weeks prior and 8 weeks after birth, whilst receiving 80% of their salary paid by their health insurance and having employee's protection against dismissal 46 Additionally, 14 months of paid (capped at max.…”

Women physicians in cardiovascular magnetic resonance: Past, present, and future

“…Maternity leave of female cardiologists outside of the US has not been studied in as much detail as in the US; however, in a worldwide survey of female surgeons (a similar cohort to female cardiologists), average maternity leave was between 7 and 12 months. However, in this worldwide survey, only half felt that their employer was generally supportive, and 80% of female surgeons reported being told that a surgical career was incompatible with parenthood ( 53 ).…”

“…Female cardiologists continue to earn, on average, $32,000 less than male cardiologists in both private practice and academia, even after controlling for location, subspecialty, and full-time status ( 65 , 66 , 69 ). This disparity in earnings is exacerbated by the cost of children, both in fewer work hours or hired child care: either women are predominantly responsible for looking after their children (and thus not able to work and earn), or they must arrange paid childcare, which will cost around 11–20% of their salary ( 44 , 53 , 56 ).…”

Diversity bias in colorectal surgery: a global perspective

“…Despite its limitations, this study is the first cross-sectional study aiming to expose biases among surgeons from 37 countries providing a broad, global insight into the diversity bias in colorectal surgery, even though there were limited responses for some countries. In the context of increased reporting about inequalities in career progression, opportunities, and access to surgical training and practice [ 22 , 23 ], this study provided additional information on EDI in surgery, and identified issues that need urgent action.…”