Paying for Parenthood: Understanding Parental Leave Policies in Infectious Disease Fellowship

Abstract

Background Many physician trainees plan pregnancy during residency and fellowship training. A study of IM program directors (PDs) demonstrated frequent misinterpretation of American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) leave policies when applied to parental leave. The ABIM has since attempted to clarify its leave and deficits in training policies. The primary aim was to investigate how infectious disease (ID) PDs interpret current ABIM leave policies. Methods We surveyed 155 ID PDs in an online, anonymous questionnaire about their knowledge of ABIM leave policies and application toward trainee leaves of absence. Results 56/155 (36%) of PDs responded to the survey. Nearly 70% of respondents incorrectly identified the leave limits permitted by the ABIM. A majority mistakenly chose to extend training when a competent fellow was within their allowed duration of leave. Most respondents correctly identified that equal time is permitted for both birth and non-birth parent leave. PDs reported the majority (60%) of ID trainee maternity/birth parent leaves at their programs were ≤7 weeks and only 7% were ≥12 weeks; 50% of paternity/non-birth parent leaves were ≤3 weeks. PDs utilize various strategies to prevent extending training for fellows taking parental leaves that exceed the limits allowed by ABIM policies, though nearly one third report counseling trainees to take “a shorter maternity leave.” Conclusions Surveyed ID Fellowship program directors often misinterpret ABIM leave policies, and apply policies incorrectly when given example scenarios. These findings may negatively impact trainee parents by leading to shortened parental leaves and unnecessary fellowship training extensions.