Paid Parental Leave for Surgeons in the United States.

Over the past several decades, the fields of medicine and surgery have experienced an increase in the number of trainees and attending physicians who are female.1 This is especially noted in subspecialties, such as acute care surgery, where a more shift-based schedule is emerging.2 Regardless, these disciplines are very demanding and require full professional commitment, which may affect decisions regarding having a family. While traditionally family planning has been mostly a female topic, as fathers are increasingly involved in parenting and childcare, parental leave is now recognized as a priority for physicians of all genders.