Women chiropractors: issues of career and family

The present study is an examination of the characteristics of female chiropractors in Canada. Of particular interest were their practice patterns, their productivity, their political involvement in the profession and the methods they used for coping with the multiple responsibilities of career and family life. The study was conducted by mailing a questionnaire to all Canadian female chiropractors. The results indicate that the vast majority of respondents are relatively new practitioners, having graduated since 1976. A very high percentage have remained in active practice either full or part-time since graduation and are very satisfied with their choice of career. The majority live in Ontario or Quebec and are politically active as members of their national, provincial and local associations. Childbirth does not appear to have interfered significantly with their career. The majority of mothers returned to work within 3 months of childbirth. The respondents appear to cope with the responsibilities of career and family life, but, a disturbing proportion report feeling chronically drained.