This study sought to understand academic neurology faculty experiences undertaking parental leave (PL).

PL and disproportionate childcare may play a role in the gender disparity in senior leadership in academic neurology. There are a dearth of publications analyzing the experiences of PL in academic medicine. 

An online, anonymous 34 question survey was developed to evaluate neurology faculty experiences with PL. Questions pertained to demographics, faculty rank, support for PL, coverage, lactation resources, and  post-PL depression/anxiety.

40 of 81 (49%) neurology faculty completed the survey. 60% of respondents were age 35-44 years. 49.5% identified as  assistant professor or instructor level. 61% had taken PL. 60% had provided coverage for a colleague on PL, with 60% rating the coverage as “fair”. For support, colleagues were considered the primary resource to assist in preparation of PL, followed by FMLA/department coordinators and then supervisors. 47.83% of respondents took 8-12 weeks. 30% of respondents took less than 4 weeks. Primary reasons to return from PL included obligation to patients, financial constraints, call responsibility and ran out of paid time leave. Peer pressure and employer pressure were cited by only 10% of respondents. 40% felt that PL would hinder advancement in the department. Although depression “baby blues” and anxiety were self-identified symptoms post-PL, very few faculty sought professional help. Overall, support for PL during and planning leave were rated highly for department and colleagues. However, support for lactation accommodations was identified as an opportunity for improvement.

Faculty respondents in our survey rated support planning and during PL favorably. However, opportunities for improvement occurred during return to work including lactation accommodations/resources, self-identified depression and anxiety and feelings that advancement in the department would be hindered by PL. Lack of support during return to work following PL could lead to burnout and attrition in young academic neurologists.