Learn with us from Dr. Charlie Goldberg, an internist and leader in graduate medical education, about the impacts of parenting on career development and advancement in medicine, as well as the leave protections specifically granted to physician trainees during their residency and fellowship years.

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Show Notes
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 Learning Objectives:
  1. Understand how family planning can differ between physicians and non-physicians.
  2. Know the minimum standards for parental leave as outlined by the ACGME.
  3. Discuss ways in which having children impacts career choice and trajectory. 

[00:00-01:19] Introduction of Co-Hosts and Episode Topic
  • Dr. Jaeel, a new parent, shares her challenges transitioning back to work after maternity leave, including sleep deprivation and balancing responsibilities as a physician and mother.
  • Dr. Gaines, also a parent, highlights the unexpected struggles of balancing medical duties and parenting, even with prior experience managing demanding schedules during residency.
  • The episode explores how parenting intersects with career development, focusing on the unique challenges faced by medical trainees and professionals.

[01:20-2:29] Introducing Guest: Dr. Charlie Goldberg
  • Dr. Goldberg shares his journey from medical school at the University of Vermont to his current leadership role at University of California, San Diego.
  • He discusses his initial career in urology, his decision to switch to internal medicine, and his experience as an educator and administrator.
  • He highlights his passion for creating supportive environments within graduate medical education (GME).

[2:30-7:10] Parenting Trends Among Medical Trainees
  • Parenting during medical training is more common now than in previous decades, with many trainees choosing to have children despite the demanding schedules.
  • Dr. Goldberg attributes this trend to increased awareness of fertility challenges, reduced interest in delaying milestones, and a shift in priorities among younger trainees.
  • He notes that medical training remains rigorous, yet individuals are finding ways to integrate parenting into their lives, balancing both joy and challenges.

[7:11-12:15] Delayed Childbearing Among Physicians
  • Physicians often delay having children, with a median age of 32 compared to 27 in the general population.
  • This delay is linked to the structured and compartmentalized nature of medical training, where individuals prioritize milestones like residency and fellowship before considering family planning.
  • Peer influence also plays a role, as many trainees look to their colleagues, most of whom also delay parenting, for cues on managing life during training.

[12:16-13:46]  Parental Leave Policies and ACGME Guidelines
  • In 2022, the ACGME introduced a mandate requiring programs to provide six weeks of paid parental leave, with an additional week for other leave needs.
  • Programs have the flexibility to offer more leave, though resource constraints in smaller or procedural programs can make this challenging.
  • Larger programs with more trainees and resources are often better equipped to provide flexibility and accommodations for extended leave.

[13:47-17:12]  Impact of Leave on Training and Career Progression
  • Extended parental leave can delay board exam eligibility and graduation timelines, especially in highly procedural fields with specific case requirements.
  • Larger programs with more elective time can often adjust schedules to minimize disruptions, while smaller programs face greater logistical challenges.
  • Dr. Goldberg emphasizes the importance of open communication between trainees and program leadership to ensure leave planning is proactive and supportive.

[17:13-21:17] Building Supportive Environments for Parenting
  • Programs that promote open dialogue and normalize conversations around family planning foster a more inclusive culture.
  • Resources such as on-site daycare, lactation spaces, and additional staff support can reduce the burden on both trainees and their colleagues.
  • Dr. Goldberg highlights the value of leadership teams that approach parenting as a joyful and manageable part of life rather than a challenge to be overcome.

[21:18-23:40] Parenting and Career Advancement
  • Female physicians, in particular, often experience slower career progression due to the additional responsibilities of parenting.
  • Systemic barriers, such as inflexible policies and traditional expectations, contribute to disparities in promotions and salary growth.
  • While awareness is growing, more institutional changes are needed to create equitable opportunities for parents in medicine.

[23:41-26:39] Personal Insights from Dr. Goldberg
  • Dr. Goldberg and his wife, both physicians, managed parenting by reducing work hours and coordinating schedules to prioritize family time.
  • He reflects on the benefits and challenges of raising children without nearby family support, relying instead on teamwork and hired help.
  • He shares the importance of balancing career ambitions with the desire to be present for his children’s milestones, even if it meant turning down certain opportunities.

[26:40-30:59] Final Advice for Trainees
  • Dr. Goldberg encourages trainees to take ownership of their careers by aligning decisions with personal values and long-term goals.
  • He stresses the importance of communicating openly with mentors and leaders to create opportunities that accommodate both career and parenting.
  • He reminds listeners that parenting is a rewarding and joyful part of life that can coexist with a fulfilling medical career.

Credits
Guest: Dr. Charlie Goldberg
Co-Hosts: Dr. Pooja Jaeel, Dr. DJ Gaines
Executive Producer: Dr. Tammy Lin
Co-Executive Producers: Dr. Pooja Jaeel, Dr. Maggie Kozman
Senior Producer: Dr. DJ Gaines
Managing Producer: Joanna Jain
Production Assistants: Clara Baek, Ann Truong
Website/Art Design: Ann Truong
Music: Chris Dingman https://www.chrisdingman.com

Resources

Disclaimer

The DEI Shift podcast and its guests provide general information and entertainment, but not medical advice. Before making any changes to your medical treatment or execution of your treatment plan, please consult with your doctor or personal medical team. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by The DEI Shift. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by The DEI Shift team are those of each individual, and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The DEI Shift team and its guests, employers, sponsors, or organizations we are affiliated with.
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