Ophthalmologists express concerns about parental leave
A survey study found that there are still concerns, disparities, mixed attitudes and some degree of discomfort surrounding parental leave among North American ophthalmologists.
“Considerations involved in taking parental leave are complex and nuanced; better dissemination of current policy would be beneficial and likely influential. A deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in parental leave decision-making is critical when implementing policy changes,” Lora R. Dagi Glass, MD, corresponding author, told Healio/OSN.
A 19-item online questionnaire was completed by 186 ophthalmologists, of which 105 (56.5%) were women, 78 (41.9%) were men and three (1.6%) preferred not to disclose their sex. Seventy-six (40.9%) worked in an academic setting, and 110 (59.1%) worked in private practice. The majority (83.9%) had children.
The study highlighted a fairly widespread lack of knowledge surrounding parental leave policies. Most respondents in academia did not know whether stop-the-clock policies on tenure (73.7%) or promotion review (64.5%) were in place at their institution, and 36.2% of those in private practice were unsure of partnership review extension policies. Feelings toward these policies were mixed, with 45.6% of respondents saying that they should be optional, 22.8% that they should be required and 18.1% that they should be removed.
Only 59.4% of respondents reported parental leave was an option for both parents.
“This is a particularly notable finding given the Family and Medical Leave Act, which protects parental leave time for both parents,” the authors wrote.
While most respondents (82.4%) reported they would take leave if expecting a child, only 66.5% would feel comfortable doing so, and 21.3% expressed concerns on how parental leave would be perceived in their workplace. Male respondents were more likely to feel uncomfortable.
Stressors regarding parental leave were mostly related to patient care, salaries and financial concerns, particularly in private practices, followed by peer perception, referrals and promotion. The effects on research were reported as a burden in academia.
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