Paid Family and Medical Leave Policies in Academic Radiology and Radiation Oncology Departments: A SCARD and SCAROP...

Paid family and medical leave (PFML) is increasingly recognized as an important component of physician well-being, recruitment, and retention. However, the implementation, utilization, and clarity of PFML policies within academic radiology and radiation oncology departments remain incompletely characterized.

We conducted a national, anonymous, novel web-based survey of department chairs from academic radiology and radiation oncology programs across the United States. The survey was developed through iterative refinement and cognitive testing and distributed via email to members of the Society of Chairs of Academic Radiology Departments and the Society of Chairs of Academic Radiation Oncology Programs from June to July 2025. Survey items assessed PFML policy availability, leave duration, compensation during leave, promotion clock extension, noncontiguous leave options, utilization in the prior year, and perceptions of departmental culture and coverage challenges. Responses were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Of 233 department chairs contacted, 91 responded (39.1% response rate), including 49 radiology and 42 radiation oncology departments. PFML policies were widely available across specialties, regions, and department sizes. Respondents consistently endorsed a supportive departmental culture and identified PFML as an important recruitment and retention tool. PFML utilization remained modest, with most respondents reporting that fewer than 10% of faculty utilized leave in the prior year, although nearly all departments reported at least some utilization. Over half of respondents reported concerns regarding clinical coverage during PFML, regardless of department size. Uncertainty was commonly reported regarding promotion clock extension and noncontiguous leave options. No significant differences were observed between radiology and radiation oncology across key PFML characteristics.

PFML policies are widely supported and available within academic radiology and radiation oncology departments. However, a significant proportion require vacation or sick time with variable allowance for noncontiguous leave or promotion clock extension, and substantial concerns remain regarding clinical coverage. These findings highlight an important gap between PFML policy availability and real-world implementation, underscoring opportunities for enhanced communication and advocacy.