top of page

Returning from Parental Leave

Returning from parental leave can be a challenging time as you will now be a working parent. There are several considerations and supports which are outlined below.

There is always help... 

It can be hard to ask for help, but there are many hidden resources available. Seek out mentors, reach out to your medical education department (undergraduate, postgraduate), speak to your residency union, speak to your colleagues, join facebook groups and speak to your local hospitals to find the help that you need. It's okay to ask!

Considerations

Here are some common considerations encountered by physicians and learners returning to training and links to further resources.

Art Class

Childcare

Arranging childcare can be an overwhelming process. Speak to your colleagues and mentors about what they've done as advice can be invaluable. 

Breast Milk Pump

Lactation Support

If you need lactation support, reach out to your residency union, program, postgraduate medical education department and/or local hospital to understand the resources that are available to you.

Friendly Young Doctor

Part-time Options

Some residency programs have accommodations for a gradual return to work. Reach out to your program to understand what options might be available.

I'm returning from parental leave as a learner, what should I do?

  • Communicate your return with your program director/administrator

  • Ensure that the payroll service/school registration has the correct dates for your return to work

  • Find out your schedule for you upcoming rotation so you may plan childcare and pumping (if applicable)

  • Ensure you have childcare arranged

  • If you are breastfeeding and planning to pump, gather your materials, make your pumping schedule and find out what resources are available at your worksite

  • Ensure you are registered at your hospital (if applicable)

    • Obtain your ID, scrub access, EMR logins, parking ​

    • Arrange required mask fit testing, immunization/TB updates

    • Complete required modules​

I'm returning from parental leave as a practicing physician, what should I do?

  • If you had a locum - arrange with your locum time for patient handover

  • Review the locum's feedback form 

  • Find out whether you are able to modify your practice to return part-time, if that is within your goals (i.e. virtual/phone care, practice splitting)

  • Look into opportunities to improve practice efficiency and reduce administrative burden

  • Ensure you have childcare arranged

  • If you are breastfeeding and planning to pump, gather your materials, make your pumping schedule and find out what resources are available at your worksite

  • Ensure you are registered at your hospital (if applicable)

  • Obtain your ID, scrub access, EMR logins, parking ​

  • Arrange required mask fit testing, immunization/TB updates

  • Complete required modules​

bottom of page