Psychiatry Training and Parenting – The Dual Learning Curve-View Presentation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video transcript, a panel of experts from the fields of psychiatry and medical training, including Sana Yunus and Dr. Manal Khan, discuss the challenges and solutions related to parental leave for medical trainees, drawing on global perspectives and personal experiences. Key issues highlighted include inadequate parental leave policies in the U.S. compared to other countries, the lack of support structures for trainees who are parents, and the stigma associated with taking leave during training. They point out that becoming a parent during medical training is not uncommon and can impact various aspects of a trainee's career path, including specialty choice and attrition rates.<br /><br />The panel also discusses ACGME policies, noting the recent mandate for a minimum of six weeks of paid leave for medical, parental, and caregiver purposes, but indicating that more comprehensive policies are needed to support both mothers and fathers alike. They further stress the importance of creating a supportive cultural environment within training programs, suggesting increased communication, flexible scheduling, and inclusion of family in work events to help normalize the balance between personal and professional responsibilities. This session emphasizes the need for systemic changes to better accommodate and support trainees who are parents.

Keywords

parental leave

medical trainees

psychiatry

ACGME policies

support structures

flexible scheduling

stigma

systemic changes