The AAMC recently published a piece by Beth Howard on residency programs looking to support female residents during and immediately after pregnancy. The article highlights research that demonstrates that trainees who become pregnant during residency or fellowship have an elevated risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and other pregnancy-related complications compared to the general population.
Starting in 2022, the ACGME mandated at least six weeks of paid parental leave for residents (without causing adverse effects on board eligibility), and last year an ACGME task force published recommendations, including the elimination of overnight calls and 24+- hour shifts in the third trimester, among other supportive policies.
Interestingly, according to a Massachusetts General Hospital randomized trial, instituting a specific pregnancy supportive intervention for trainees kept the burnout curve flat versus a significant burnout increase in the control group. The study points out that the cost of the intervention ($2300) was less than the estimated price of burnout per employee ($7600).
Here’s the AAMC news article for more details.
