Pregnant medical residents and fellows who received a parental support package reported no additional burnout at six months postpartum, while their counterparts who received their institution’s usual support experienced significantly more burnout, according to study findings
published today in
JAMA.
The support package included a wearable breast pump, a smart bassinet that automatically soothes newborns, 24/7 virtual perinatal support from a variety of specialists, and an onsite faculty mentor to support work-family challenges.
Why It’s Relevant
Physician burnout is associated with a host of negative health outcomes and is estimated to cost the United States
$4.6 billion annually. Residents and fellows who experience pregnancy and new parenthood face unique stressors that increase the rate of burnout.
By the numbers
- One hundred forty-three pregnant residents and fellows at 12 weeks gestation or later (median age 32 years) across seven medical centers were provided with either the four-pronged parental support package or usual support plus a $200 gift card.
- From enrollment to six months postpartum, the average burnout score (ranging from zero to 10) remained stable in the prenatal support group, increasing from 2.96 to just 3.03. In the control group, however, average burnout scores rose from 3.13 to 3.79.
- The difference between the groups was more strongly driven by interpersonal disengagement (feeling more cynical and detached at work) than by emotional exhaustion.
- Leave that lasted between 12 and 16 weeks was associated with a 1.06-point reduction in burnout scores compared with the standard leave of eight to 12 weeks.
The Other Side
Participants were aware of their group assignments, which may have influenced perceptions among the control participants. The researchers also cautioned against generalizing the study’s findings, as it occurred in the Northeastern United States. National trials may need to occur across more diverse settings before the findings are broadly implemented.
Takeaway Message
“This evidence is a foundational step in addressing known work-life imbalance and stresses related to pregnancy and parental leave,” wrote the author of an accompanying
editorial. “Pregnancy and parenting during training are realities of modern graduate medical education. Teaching hospitals and program directors can use this evidence to move beyond accommodation and implement support.”
Related Information
Source
Atziri Rubio-Chavez, et al. Pragmatic parental support to mitigate burnout among pregnant and postpartum trainees: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA. Published online May 13, 2026. doi:10.1001/jama.2026.5663
(Image: Getty Images/iStock/Zinkevych)