From Beaming Cancer to Beaming Parent: Paternity Leave Experiences in Radiation Oncology

This is the first study to investigate the utilization of paternity leave in RO practices in the United States. More than a third of respondents did not have a formal paternity leave policy. Of those that utilized paternity leave, the median taken time was less than the median allotted time, partially due to departmental pressure. In retrospect, close to 50% of respondents would have taken more leave. Integrating expanded family leave policies, including specifically allowing for paternity leave and accompanying these policies with cultural changes acknowledging the importance of family leave, would be beneficial to improving quality of life and work-life balance for parents.