Carol Cottrell, division administrator at UM, says the university is constantly reviewing and updating its policies as necessary to make them as family-friendly as possible. There is a standard practice guideline currently in effect that allows new parents modified duties. This flexible policy allows the faculty member to work with the relevant dean to modify their duties.
Audrey Uknis, MD, is associate dean of the office of admissions at Temple University in Philadelphia. Temple’s residency policy regarding how coverage is handled in the absence of a member of the house staff was updated based on Dr. Uknis’ experience when, as a second-year resident, she was unexpectedly confined to bed with preterm labor 20 weeks into her pregnancy. Now, residents are fully aware that they may be expected to fill in for someone for a short or extended period of time. The university has “reserve residents” who may be pulled from their electives to provide this coverage as needed.
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Rheumatology: A Family-Friendly Choice
Rheumatology lends itself quite nicely to a healthy work–life balance, says Lisa Suter, MD, instructor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine. She cites three primary reasons:
- A large proportion of rheumatology physicians are women;
- Many rheumatic diseases are more common in women; and
- The vast majority of clinical work is not emergent and allows for greater scheduling flexibility.
Dr. Suter feels these things contribute to a parallel understanding among colleagues and patients alike, creating a very supportive environment.
“Rheumatology offers a career opportunity that is fulfilling and extremely interesting but allows everyone—not just women—to have a life,” says Audrey Uknis, MD, associate dean of admissions at Temple University School of Medicine. “This makes rheumatology an increasingly popular option for a lot of people.”
Make Policies Work
Without the support of the entire team—from clerical staff to clinical staff to faculty to administrators—policies are just words on paper. Communication is extremely important. All personnel should know the policies and what benefits are available to them, as well as what may be expected of them regarding coverage for other team members. Also, any individual who expects to take advantage of such benefits must communicate that impending need appropriately and promptly. If handled properly by all those involved, a short-term inconvenience can have the long-term effect of fostering an atmosphere of caring and support among team members.
Seetha Monrad, MD, clinical lecturer at UM, found the division very accommodating. She received assistance with all of her necessary paperwork and rescheduled her clinics “with very little fuss.” This understanding and support were especially helpful when she felt overwhelmed with her son’s health issues.
Individuals need to take a certain amount of responsibility for making the balance between career and family work for them.
—Primal Kaur, MD
