Australian medical student expectations of work-life balance as a doctor

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Objectives: To explore the perceptions of medical students on achieving good work-life balance after graduation, and their opinions on parenting having an impact on their future careers. Methods: Cross-sectional cohort study of an online survey was distributed to students from all medical schools in Australia through the General Practice Students Network. Main outcome measures: Medical student perceptions on the effects of their future careers on the ability to maintain work-life balance and whether future parenting would impact their careers. Both quantitative and qualitative responses were collected. Results:The majority of survey respondents believed their careers would have a moderate or significant impact on the ability to achieve work-life balance. Thematic analysis revealed medical students perceived medical careers as lacking flexibility, being time-consuming, and potentially detrimental to health. Surveyed students indicated both parenting goals and specialty choice needed to be considered when planning their career. Conclusions: Australian medical students expressed significant concerns about their ability to juggle parenting and achieve work-life balance within the realities of a medical career.