Pediatrician and parent: a challenge for female physicians

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Women's Health
• Career Development

Background:

• The study examines the life choices of women physicians who completed pediatric residencies between 1960 and 1987.
• It focuses on decisions related to marriage, pregnancy, child care, and career progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand the long-term career and family integration experiences of female physicians.
• To assess satisfaction with work-life balance, support systems, and childcare arrangements.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 84 women physicians who finished pediatric residencies between 1960 and 1987.
• The questionnaire covered personal and professional decisions, including marriage, childbirth, and career paths.

Main Results:

• 83% of physicians were married, 77% had children, with the average age of first conception at 29.
• 51% timed conception based on career or education.
• While 80% found support for pregnancies, 26% felt penalized for maternity leave; 12 weeks leave was taken, 16 ideal.
• All used daycare, 79% satisfied; physicians performed over 50% of housework and childcare despite full-time work.

Conclusions:

• Despite challenges, most physicians found their dual roles rewarding and would repeat their choices.
• High rates of marriage, parenthood, and career satisfaction indicate successful integration.
• Physicians expressed strong overall satisfaction with their medical careers and life decisions.