Overview
Becoming a parent during medical training poses unique challenges. Supporting a trainee's health and wellness is paramount and must be balanced with meeting training requirements. ACGME Common Program Requirements mandate that trainees be offered "an appropriate length of absence" for parental leave and that "policies must be implemented without fear of negative consequences for the resident." Significant variability exists among programs and institutions in time away from training and support offered in the peripartum period. Beyond parental leave, the needs of birthing and non-birthing parents may include medical accommodations, desired extensions of leave, and postpartum support, including adjusting to a new daily routine and lactation. Clinical assignments during pregnancy and upon return to work for birthing parents are also important considerations, as a growing body of evidence suggests an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes for medical trainees.   Establishing clear and transparent policies around the peripartum period can help programs maximize trainee wellbeing, navigate accommodations for trainee parents, and minimize the logistical burden carried by individual trainees. In this interactive, case-based workshop, presenters offer a framework for designing new parental leave policies or operationalizing existing policies. Attendees will review the multifaceted nature of resident support in the peripartum period and leave with tools to help balance the dual priorities of resident wellbeing and education.

Speakers

Maria Theodorou, MD Jessica Zimo, MD Sarah Khorasani, MD Bruce Henschen, MD, MPH

Content Track
Wellness

Audience

GME

Program Type
University-Based Programs

Additional Information

Year Published: 2025 - AIMW 2025