Parental Leave in Cardiovascular Disease Training Programs

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Training

“…Women who choose to pursue cardiology contend with inequities in compensation 24 and access to career advancement opportunities 25 and inadequate support for childbearing responsibilities. 26 Although the majority of women cardiologists become pregnant during fellowship, 26 a recent survey found that a sizeable portion of fellowship program directors are not aware of the amount of paid and nonpaid parental leave available to their fellows. 27 Although the American Board of Internal Medicine allows up to 4 months of leave at the discretion of the program director, 65% of surveyed program directors responded that fellows who utilize all the available leave time should not be eligible for board certification.…”

“…Highly cited barriers to breastfeeding included inadequate breaks during clinical practice and lack of appropriate pumping space. 26 For women interested in pursuing procedural cardiology subspecialties, factors such as lack of female role models, radiation exposure during childbearing years, sexual discrimination and harassment concerns, and the “old boys’ club” culture are additional deterrents. 28 29 …”

“… 47 Provision of transparent and flexible leave policies to accommodate unforeseen pregnancy complications, radiation safety training, adequate breaks, and private spaces to facilitate lactation will contribute to a culture of inclusion and support for cardiologists with parenting responsibilities. 26 …”

Creating an Equitable Parental Leave Policy Using Financial Incentive: A Pilot Study at a Cardiology Fellowship Program

“…Survey data have found that most cardiology fellowship programs require fellows to cover for their colleagues on parental leave. 2 This creates pressure for fellows who are new parents to “make up” or “pay back” shifts for fear of discrimination or guilt related to missing work. Indeed, only half of the fellows take the maximal allotted or personally desired time for parental leave.…”