Career problems of women doctors

Information was received from 61 women doctors who were having difficulty continuing with medical careers. Two main problems were disclosed. Firstly, despite the special arrangements made for women doctors, it is difficult to obtain postgraduate training. The provision of supernumerary posts does not seem to offer a satisfactory solution. Secondly, doctors who have completed postgraduate training but cannot yet return to full-time work are unable to obtain posts at an appropriate level. Both of these problems stem primarily from the need for part-time work by the mothers of young children. Most of the doctors wish to return to full-time or nearly full-time work when family responsibilities are fewer. In view of the increasing proportion of women doctors it seems important that large numbers are not unnecessarily lost from professional work. Some possible approaches to solving the problems are suggested.