Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the components of current parental leave policies in surgical practice and evaluate surgeon perceptions of parental leave.
Methods: Practicing surgeons were recruited to complete a survey via social media outlets and e-mail. Participants were asked questions regarding existing policies and their perspectives towards parental leave.
Results: The survey was completed by 431 surgeons, of which 90% were female and 45% in academics. The majority (84%) of women took <12 weeks leave, and 24% were fully funded. All male respondents took <4 weeks, of which 55% was fully paid. Discrimination was experienced by 31%. The majority support paid parental leave (94%) without impact on time to promotion (87%) or partnership (85%).
Conclusions: There is variance in current parental leave policies regarding length and compensation. Most respondents support paid parental leave and are in favor of policies that support new parents during and after pregnancy.
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.