For Dr. Kayla MacSween, a mother of four and full-time Anesthesiologist, Prince Edward Island’s new parental leave program is more than just a financial boost; it’s a testament to the province’s commitment to supporting physicians and their families.
The new Physicians Services Agreement (PSA) between the Province of PEI, Health PEI, and the Medical Society of PEI (MSPEI) came into effect on April 1. It includes an increase to the parental leave program for physicians that places PEI at the forefront of competitive benefits for healthcare professionals. Physicians can now access a $2,500/week benefit for up to 26 weeks, making it the best – parental leave program in the country.
The timing of this change could not have been better for Dr. MacSween, who is currently on leave after the birth of her fourth child, Hank.
"The investment PEI has made in its new parental leave program was wonderfully reassuring to our family,” Dr. MacSween said. “We always planned on having children and I intended to take time off to do that but knowing the province, Health PEI, and the Medical Society of PEI are so supportive made the decision a lot easier. We’re more comfortable with the choices we’ve made.”
Dr. MacSween, who moved back to PEI two and a half years ago after studying and working in Halifax, values the province’s family-friendly approach. She and her husband, Tyler, both from the Island, have always appreciated the supportive network of family around them. It was this strong sense of community that made them decide to settle on PEI after medical school and residency.
"PEI is a great place to raise children," Dr. MacSween said. “The new parental leave program just adds to that appeal.”
As the only female anesthesiologist on PEI, Dr. MacSween also sees the program as a key factor in encouraging work-life balance, particularly for women in medicine. It also sends a powerful message to those considering starting their practice on PEI.
Dr. MacSween, who plans to take six months off with Hank, hopes the new benefit will encourage more physicians to consider PEI as a place to grow both their careers and their families.
“You don’t have to put your family or plans for a family on the back burner just because you’re in medicine,” she said. “It’s not always easy, but it can be done and there are supports available. We certainly don’t have any regrets for our family.”
With a focus on competitive salaries and benefits, PEI is proving it’s not just a beautiful place to live, but a place where the healthcare system is ever evolving to meet the needs of physicians.
"We want to be here for the long term," Dr. MacSween said. "The support from the province makes that a lot easier, and – for physicians like me with a growing, young family – it’s yet another reason to call the Island home.”
Dr. MacSween lives in the Stratford area with her husband, Tyler, and their four children, Mia (6), Harrison (5), Maggie (2), and Hank.