Sponsor
This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (TL1TR002371; Lenne) and the National Institute of Mental Health (K08MH127519; Klawetter) and the German Academic Exchange Service and the Graduate School of Human Sciences at the University of Cologne.
Published In
Postgraduate Medical Journal
Document Type
Pre-Print
Publication Date
9-2-2025
Abstract
Residents and fellows in graduate medical education (GME) programs across the USA often complete training during childbearing years, presenting challenges for pregnant and parenting trainees balancing work and family. Institutional policies must better support these trainees. Previous studies show supported trainees experience reduced burnout, better health, and improved patient outcomes.
This study assessed the experiences and unmet needs of pregnant and parenting GME trainees and presents their recommendations for improved support.
Methods: Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, we examined the unmet needs and challenges of pregnant and parenting trainees, and their recommendations for improvement. We distributed a survey to all GME trainees across all specialties at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in 2023. Ninety-eight out of 160 eligible participants completed the survey (~60% response rate).
Results: Despite existing policies, trainees at Oregon Health and Science University faced persistent challenges. We identified three themes and related recommendations from our analysis of quantitative and open-ended survey data: (1) Leave and coverage—barriers to adequate parental leave and inconsistent enforcement of GME policies; [2] Lactation—meeting breast/chest-feeding goals required immense effort due to limited resources; and [3] Health and childcare—existing policies negatively impacted fertility, childcare access, and mental health. Respondents recommended standardized, flexible leave policies; transparent processes for work adjustments and planning; improved access to private, well-equipped lactation spaces; and tailored mental health and wellness programs to support the perinatal period.
Barriers persist for trainees starting families. Institutional leaders have actionable opportunities to improve equity and institutional support of parenting trainees.
Rights
© The Author(s) 2025.
Locate the Document
DOI
10.1093/postmj/qgaf124
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44133
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Citation Details
Lenne, E., Soller, M., Lashen, G., Dukhovny, S., Reimer, A., Klawetter, S., & Carter, E. (2025). Path to parenthood for medical residents and fellows: the impact of leave policies on parent trainees at Oregon Health and Science University. Postgraduate Medical Journal.
Description
This is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published as: Path to parenthood for medical residents and fellows: the impact of leave policies on parent trainees at Oregon Health and Science University. Postgraduate Medical Journal.