Women Physicians: Gender and the Medical Workplace

Understanding the work habits, attitudes, and experiences of women physicians is critical for optimal patient care. In a gendered work environment, obstacles faced hinder women physicians from contributing to their full ability. This study investigated how women physicians' work habits are viewed, in the context of women's attitudes and experiences. An analysis of the medical literature (1990-2017) was undertaken. Published studies were located using search engines, article references, consultation with experts, and relevant Mesh terms. Of 1185 listings, 354 studies were evaluated and 44 articles, selected by three reviewers, were analyzed in detail. Four themes emerged-practice styles, productivity, prevailing attitudes, and the workplace environment. Comparing women physicians to male colleagues as a standard for evaluating performance, for example, undervalues distinctive characteristics women bring to medical practice. Productivity models that focus on work hours, procedures, and publications do not encompass the full scope of patient care. Solutions offered mainly have been designed to help women physicians fit into existing workplace environments, but traditionally available "adapt or exit" options in response to challenges faced appear insufficient. A gender equity perspective helps to explain findings and suggests ways to reshape the health care workplace to better understand, utilize, and retain women physicians.