Toward gender balance in the Australian medical workforce: some planning implications

Abstract

Men and women doctors participate differently in the workforce. As the proportion of women in the workforce increases, gender-based differences in workforce participation are raising important planning questions. For example, how will differences in hours worked per week impact on the number of trainee doctors required to meet future demand, why do some disciplines attract more women, what will be the impact on the practice of medicine if these trends continue and how does the training environment impact on variation in career decision. In this paper we summarise and discuss the findings of recent research undertaken by the Australian Medical Workforce Advisory Committee and outline some public policy responses.