Pediatrician and parent: a challenge for female physicians

Abstract

Of 141 women who finished their pediatric residencies between 1960 and 1987, 84 (60%) completed questionnaires concerning their decisions regarding marriage, pregnancy, child care, and career. Eighty-three percent of the physicians were married, and 77% had natural-born children. The mean age at conception of the first child was 29 years, timing that was based on education or career stage for 51%. When the child was born, 45% of the women were employed, 20% were fellows, 17% were residents, 3% were undergraduate or medical students, and 15% were on leave. Eighty percent found supervisors and peers to be supportive of their pregnancies, but 26% believed they were penalized for their maternity leaves and 24% believed their pregnancies were actively discouraged. The mean leave taken following delivery was 12 weeks; the mean leave time considered ideal was 16 weeks. All women had used some form of day care, and 79% felt generally satisfied with its role in their children's rearing. They did more than 50% of the housework and in-home child care, with the remainder split between spouse and hired help, even though nearly two thirds were working full-time. All subjects with children would become parents again if they had to make the decision again. Eighty-one percent of respondents would go into medicine again; 79% would enter the same specialty. Most found their life-styles challenging but rewarding and, with the benefit of hindsight, would make the same choices again.