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  • Perceptions of Parental Leave Among Practicing Ophthalmologists

    By Jean Shaw
    Selected and reviewed by Neil M. Bressler, MD, and Deputy Editors
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    Journal Highlights

    JAMA Ophthalmology, January 2023

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    Once ophthalmologists have finished training, how do they handle parental leave? Kalra et al. set out to evaluate perceptions of parental leave policy among North American ophthalmolo­gists currently in practice. They found mixed awareness of and support for what are commonly known as “stop-the-clock” policies.

    For this study, the researchers used a 19-item anonymous nonvalidated questionnaire. Participants were advised that the survey was only for North American ophthalmologists who had completed training. Demographics included years in practice, parental status, and primary work setting. Those who worked in academic settings were asked if their institutions stopped the clock on promotion review, while those in private practice were asked if their practice paused the clock on partnership review. All participants were queried regarding their attitudes about issues surrounding taking parental leave, such as leave-related stressors and per­ceived workplace culture.

    A convenience sample of practicing ophthalmologists was obtained using social media, residency program coordinators, and listservs. Data were collected from May to June 2022. Of 186 respondents, 105 (56.5%) iden­tified as female, 110 (59.1%) were in private practice, 156 (83.9%) had children, and 133 (71.5%) were one to 20 years out from training. Awareness of stop-the-clock policies varied: for instance, among academic physicians, 56 (73.7%) and 49 (64.5%) were un­aware if their institution had a policy for tenure review or promotion review, respectively. Support varied as well: of 171 participants who indicated their at­titudes about these policies, 78 (45.6%) thought the policies should be optional, 39 (22.8%) thought they should be re­quired, 31 (18.1%) thought they should be removed, and 23 (13.5%) indicated “other.”

    Comfort levels with taking paren­tal leave varied: for instance, among 155 respondents, 33 (21.3%) were concerned about negative workplace reactions when taking leave, 88 (56.8%) were not, and the remainder were neu­tral. All female respondents (n = 105) either would choose to take leave or were not sure, versus 58 of the 71 male respondents (81.7%). Primary stressors associated with taking leave were patient care/coverage and salary concerns, followed by peer perception, referrals, promotions, and research.

    In their discussion, the authors noted several limitations of this study, including small sample sizes. None­theless, they said, the results provide an overview of some of the concerns and considerations inherent in taking parental leave from active practice. (Also see related commentary by Julia A. Haller, MD, in the same issue.)

    The original article can be found here.