Women in general practice in New Zealand

To investigate the role of women general practitioners (GPs) in New Zealand.

A five-page questionnaire was posted to 200 randomly selected women GPs from throughout New Zealand. One follow-up mailing was sent.

A response rate of 79% was achieved. Twenty-four percent of women GPs work less than 5/10 but 46% earn less than $40000. Forty-eight percent of women GPs' partners also earn less than $40000. The most common reason for working part-time was parenting responsibilities. Eighty-seven percent are married or live with a partner, 77% have children, 48% have preschool-aged children. Only 15% have Membership of the RNZCGP and 57% are owner or partner in their practice.

Women GPs suffer both professional and financial difficulties because of their dual motherhood/professional roles.