Starting a family during medical school is both exciting and overwhelming. Between exams, clinical rotations, and everything else on your plate, figuring out parental leave policies can feel like yet another challenge. Unfortunately, medical schools don’t always make it easy – policies can be vague, inconsistent, or even nonexistent. 

But don’t worry! Expecting a baby, planning for the future, or simply curious? This blog explains how medical schools handle parental leave. We’ll cover what to expect when it comes to maternity leave, student health insurance, and how to navigate these policies so you can focus on what matters most – your growing family.

Parental Leave Policies in U.S. Medical Schools: The Reality

Here’s the hard truth: parental leave policies in medical schools are notably inconsistent. A study in Academic Medicine found that only 14% of U.S. medical schools have a formal parental leave policy. The rest have either have vague guidelines hidden under general leave-of-absence policies or no specific policy at all.

This lack of clarity makes it hard for students to plan. Many are left scrambling to know how much time they can take off and how it will affect their studies. If you’re in this situation, don’t be afraid to ask your school’s administration for clear answers – and get everything in writing! The earlier you reach out to your school, the better. Without a parental leave policy, your leave will likely count as a leave of absence. It’s important to understand how long you can take, and how it will affect your schedule, graduation year, and residency applications.

To get a better understanding of what a parental leave policy may look like, here are a few schools that offer this information:

1. Harvard Medical School (HMS): HMS has a dedicated parental leave policy that encourages students to develop individualized plans in consultation with advisors and supervisors. Depending on the stage of training, options include up to a 12-month leave of absence or a 12-week absence during clinical phases. More details can be found in the HMS Parental Leave Policy.​
2. University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine: This institution follows the university’s general leave policy, permitting a one-quarter (10-week) leave of absence for new parents while retaining benefits. Specifics are outlined in the AAMC article on medical student parental leave policies. 
3. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine: Vanderbilt offers primary caregivers (regardless of gender) 60 calendar days (approximately 8 weeks) of parental leave with full stipend and continued health insurance coverage, aligning with NIH guidelines. Details are available in their Parental Leave Guidelines.​ 
4. University of Pennsylvania Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP): MD-PhD students in this program are generally granted up to 8 weeks of paid parental leave, with the possibility of arranging longer leaves upon request. More information can be found in their Family Leave Policy.​ 
5. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine: This school allows medical students up to six weeks (42 calendar days) of parental accommodation time following the birth or adoption of a child. This period is considered a modification of academic expectations rather than a formal leave of absence. Further details are provided in their Policy on Medical Student Parental Accommodation.

Maternity Leave for Medical Students: What to Expect

If you’re a birthing parent, how much time can you take off? That depends on your school. The American Academy of Pediatrics makes a general recommendation of at least 12 weeks of paid parental leave, citing major benefits for both parents and babies. But most medical schools with parental leave policies don’t come close to that.

For example, a report from the AAMC found that some schools offer just two weeks off in preclinical years and as little as five days during clinical rotations. That’s barely enough time to recover, let alone adjust to life with a newborn. Bear in mind that these timelines are likely offered by schools to students who still wish to graduate on time. Graduating a year later often gives schools more flexibility with time off, as you’ll have time to complete missed clerkships.

All this to say, it’s important to plan early and work with your school to find the best possible arrangement. Some students take a full leave of absence to extend their time off, but this can affect things like tuition, financial aid, and graduation timelines—so make sure you understand all the implications and have a solid plan in place as early as possible.

Health Insurance: Will You Still Be Covered?

One major concern for student-parents is health insurance coverage during leave. Some schools allow students to stay on their current plan, while others require them to pay out-of-pocket to continue coverage. For example, Vanderbilt School of Medicine lets students keep their insurance by arranging payment of the employee contribution during unpaid leave.

To avoid any surprises, check with your school’s health insurance office to see:
– If your insurance continues while on leave
– Whether you’ll need to pay extra to maintain coverage
– If your baby can be added to your student insurance plan

The last thing you want is to be dealing with unexpected medical bills while adjusting to parenthood!

Pushing for Better Policies: Why Advocacy Matters

With so many inconsistencies, medical students have been advocating for stronger parental leave policies – and it’s making a difference. The American Medical Association (AMA) recently called for medical schools to offer at least 12 weeks of paid leave for students and trainees. While not all schools have adopted this yet, the conversation is gaining momentum.

If your school lacks a clear or fair policy, consider joining or forming a student advocacy group to push for change. Many policies exist today because past students spoke up – so your voice matters! Students shouldn’t face a choice between family and career, especially since these goals often overlap.

Final Tips for Navigating Parental Leave in Medical School

If you’re expecting or planning for a child while in medical school, here’s what you can do:

Talk to your school early – Ask about your options and get everything in writing.
Look at your insurance coverage – Make sure you and your family/baby will be covered.
Connect with other student-parents – They can offer great advice and support.
Consider future rotations – If possible, schedule lighter rotations around your due date.
Advocate for better policies – If your school’s policies are lacking, push for change!

Balancing medical school and parenthood is no small feat, but you’re not alone. By understanding your school’s policies, planning ahead, and advocating for yourself, you can make this transition as smooth as possible.