Document resource
Background Physician parents experience challenges during their transition to parenthood and their return to work. We expanded a Parental Wellness Programme (PWP) to Department of Medicine faculty physicians and evaluated its impact on physician well-being. The programme supported new physician parents through peer mentorship and financial resources.Methods Through internal marketing, expectant and new parent faculty were encouraged to self-enrol and were supported until 12 months following the child’s birth (up to an 18-month period). Participants enrolled between October 2021 and September 2022. The programme included a US$500 feeding/lactation reimbursement and pairing with a parental wellness advocate (PWA), a physician with parenting experience. Anonymised participant surveys were voluntary and conducted at programme entry, and at 6 months and 12 months following the child’s birth to assess return-to-work experience, lactation, burnout and programme impact. A final feedback survey was sent after all participants completed the programme.Results The programme supported 67 participants (82% women). 53 participants responded to the baseline survey, of whom 85% were junior faculty/early career. At baseline, 85% of respondents planned to breastfeed; 88% at 12 months (n=25) reported breastfeeding. Participants indicated a desire for connection, support and resources at baseline; follow-up surveys confirmed that the programme provided these supports. By 12 months, 76% received individualised PWA support, 88% used the feeding/lactation reimbursement and 92% self-reported improved well-being on return to work. All respondents indicated they would recommend the programme to colleagues. Participant comments highlighted challenges with parental leave coverage, and time and space for lactation.Conclusions We demonstrated the scalability of a novel PWP that successfully supported early career and junior faculty during a difficult transition period. Feedback indicated ongoing system-based challenges and a need for institutional culture change.