Paying for Parenthood: Understanding Parental Leave Policies in Infectious Disease Fellowship

Background Many physician trainees plan pregnancy during residency and fellowship. A study of internal medicine program directors (PDs) demonstrated frequent misinterpretation of American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) leave policies applied to parental leave. The primary aim was to investigate how infectious disease (ID) PDs interpret current ABIM leave policies.Methods We surveyed 155 ID PDs in an online anonymous questionnaire about knowledge of ABIM leave policies and application toward trainee leaves.Results Of 155 PDs, 56 (36%) responded to the survey. Nearly 70% incorrectly identified leave limits permitted. A majority mistakenly chose to extend training when a competent fellow was within the allowed duration of leave. PDs reported that the majority of ID trainee maternity/birth parent leaves (60%) were <= 7 weeks and only 7% were >= 12 weeks; 50% of paternity/nonbirth parent leaves were <= 3 weeks.Conclusions Surveyed ID fellowship PDs often misinterpret ABIM leave policies and apply policies incorrectly when given sample scenarios.. Misinterpretation and misapplication of American Board of Internal Medicine leave policies have clear implications for trainee family planning. Ambiguity may lead to shortened parental leaves, inappropriate fellowship training extension, and potential lost job and funding opportunities.