Asking about Family Friendly Nature of Program

[MichiMO]

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Okay...so I know the whole kids in residency thing is a very beaten dead horse, but I was wondering what others thoughts were on asking about the family friendly nature of a program while interviewing. I am not neccesarily referring to just maternity leave, but the attitude in general towards residents with kids. I think there is a huge difference with a program being okay with a resident getting pregnant and family friendly.
For example, in one program I rotated at, everyone's kids (including attendings) were in the call room visiting at night. When one of the resident's baby got sick while she was on call, she brought her to to morning conference postcall because the baby couldn't go to daycare and no one even batted an eyelash.
However, at another program nearly all of the residents have very young children and the kids are seriously just pictures on their desks. It is definitly not an environment where you would feel comfortable running down to grab a bite to eat with your family in the cafeteria, which I think, every once in a while, makes a huge difference in your quality of life and your kid's quality of life.

I feel that asking about this may be viewed negatively by programs who would perceive you as less than dedicated. I know the whole "well if the program would look negatively on you based on that question it isn't a program you want to be at" line and I do somewhat feel that way. But, the whole process is also a game that I don't want to be at the losing end of even though this is an issue that really matters to me.

Any thoughts out there?

 

[tiredmom]

A friend told me to ask one of the chief residents at the night before dinner about how many pregnancies, marriages and divorces had happened during their 4 years there. I was pleased to see a toddler at the night before dinner at my first interview this weekend. It bodes well.

 

[peacefuljourney]

Good question.

I guess with age and children these things become a bit more important - did for me anyway. I'm a mother of 3 soon to be 4 (then done!). I love my children and definitely want to be a part of their life. I also want to excel at my chosen profession and I don't think the 2 goals are necessarily diametrically opposed. So how you find those programs that mesh with those goals?

Can anyone suggest tools/techniques for finding this out at the interview stage? or before? Even a list of programs known to be decent about this would be great.

S-

 

[MiesVanDerMom]

Good question.

I guess with age and children these things become a bit more important - did for me anyway. I'm a mother of 3 soon to be 4 (then done!). I love my children and definitely want to be a part of their life. I also want to excel at my chosen profession and I don't think the 2 goals are necessarily diametrically opposed. So how you find those programs that mesh with those goals?

Can anyone suggest tools/techniques for finding this out at the interview stage? or before? Even a list of programs known to be decent about this would be great.
S-

a list is a good idea👍

 

[MichiMO]

I will start the list for the SW based on my experiences.

Both Univ. of AZ and Maricopa/PIROG seem very family friendly. Many residents have children, as well as attendings, and there is a real family feel to both programs. I would be happy at either program as a new mom.

Banner Good Sam is certainly accepting of pregnancies and has many residents with children, but there is not the same family feel. There are so many private attendings at this hospital who are mainly men that more of the boy's club atmosphere prevades as compared to other places I have been, even though the majority of the residents are female. That said, it is a great program and, with check-out at a 4pm, it certainly leaves time for family activity, though call is q3-4 the majority of the first year.