Maternity Leave Policies for Residents: An Overview of Issues and Problems

Abstract

This article examines evidence of the need for maternity leave policies in residency programs and reviews studies of such policies. The author concludes that communication to residents of an established maternity leave policy facilitates equitable treatment of residents and minimizes disruptions for their colleagues and patients. The development of maternity leave policies is discussed in the context of existing and proposed federal legislation and the current pressures on program directors and hospital administrators to improve other aspects of residency training. Strategies for building flexibility into residency programs are presented. Acad. Med. 64(1989):498–501.