Becoming a Parent During Cardiovascular Training.

backgroundSpecialty training in cardiovascular diseases is consistently perceived to have adverse job conditions and interfere with family life. There is a dearth of universal workforce support for trainees who become parents during training.

objectivesThis study sought to identify parental policies across cardiovascular training programs internationally.

methodsAn Internet-based international survey study available from August 2020 to October 2020 was sent via social media. The survey was administered 1 time and anonymously. Participants shared experiences regarding parental benefits/policies and perception of barriers for trainees. Participants were divided into 3 groups: training program directors, trainees pregnant during cardiology fellowship, and trainees not pregnant during training.

resultsA total of 417 replies were received from physicians, including 47 responses (11.3%) from training program directors, 146 responses (35%) from current or former trainees pregnant during cardiology training, and 224 responses (53.7%) from current or former trainees that were not pregnant during cardiology training. Among trainees, 280 (67.1%) were parents during training. Family benefits and policies were not uniformly available across institutions, and knowledge regarding the existence of such policies was low. Average parental leave ranged from 1 to 2 months in the United States compared with >4 months outside the United States, and in all countries, paternity leave was uncommon (only 11 participants [2.6%]). Coverage during family leave was primarily provided by peers (n = 184 [44.1%]), and 168 (91.3%) were without additional monetary or time compensation.

conclusionsThis is the first international survey evaluating and comparing parental benefits and policies among cardiovascular training programs. There is great variability among institutions, highlighting disparities in real-world experiences.