(1113) How Does Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Treat New Parent-Surgeons? A Survey on the Parental Leave Experience Post Training

Introduction: Current paid parental leave (PL) is insufficient. Thus, financial burdens from PL disproportionately impact female providers, the primary utilizers of PL. We aimed to understand the impact of PL after completion of training on female otolaryngologists’ financial, professional, and mental health.

Methods: A survey regarding otolaryngologists’ first post-training PL was disseminated to Women in Otolaryngology e-mail lists and social media groups in January 2024. Inclusion criteria restricted participants to North American otolaryngologists who took at least 1 PL post-training. Preliminary analyses on outcomes included understanding the financial burden from PL and other impacts on wellbeing.

Results: All 48 respondents were female. Academic (n = 20, 42%) vs non-academic physicians were less likely to be aware of their workplaces’ policies (15% vs 54%; p = 0.016; CI [10-67]) and to have a satisfactory discussion regarding PL (35% vs 68%; p = 0.05; CI [1.4-64]) prior to joining. Academic physicians were more likely to have 3 or more weeks of fully paid PL than non-academic physicians (57% vs 20%; p = 0.023; CI [7-67]).

Only 35% of the total cohort reported receiving adequate information about their PL policy. Of respondents, 58% reported a loss in clinical production bonuses from PL, losing 34% on average. Additionally, 67% of respondents reported poorer mental health, and 30% reported financial burdens from planning PL. About half (52%) of respondents reported 9-12 weeks of leave available, but only 25% had 9-12 weeks fully paid (p = 0.012, CI [6-48]). PL was shortened by 58% from pressure to return to clinical responsibilities. To improve PL, 67% would increase duration, and 48% would increase pay. In sum, 71% reported feeling unsatisfied or neutral about their PL experience. Only one respondent was “fully satisfied.”

Conclusions: Female otolaryngologists taking PL post-training face financial and holistic challenges like diminished productivity-based income, inadequate lengths of paid leave, and lack of knowledge about PL options. This research highlights targetable areas to lessen PL burden for otolaryngologists, which may differ by practice setting.