Dr. Nugent began practicing in 1993, after a decade of education and training, and took maternity leave in 1996. Prior to her leave of absence, Dr. Nugent was working as a neuroradiologist for approximately 52 hours per week and earning $130,000 a year. During her maternity leave, Dr. Nugent enrolled in all continuing education courses necessary to reactivate her medical license following leave, and was about to reactivate her license and return to work when she was involved in an automobile accident.