Medscape surveyed 3,003 women physicians in March and April with questions suggested by a panel of women physicians. The theme was “issues you care about.”
Here are some the highlights in the findings, released July 15:
- 64% say work-life balance is their most pressing concern in 2020. This is followed by compensation (43%), combining parenthood with work (30%) and gender equity (19%). Next are career development (16%) and relationships with colleagues and staff (16%). At the bottom: age discrimination (6%) and sexual harassment at work (1%).
- Asked whether they’ve made personal life tradeoffs to meet work obligations, close to 95% say yes.
- Most respondents, 62%, don’t have a mentor. Of those who do, the mentors are nearly equally split between women (24%) and men (23%).
- A strong majority of respondents, 59%, report that being a woman has not affected their compensation one way or the other. However, more than a third, 36%, indicate being a woman has had a negative or very negative monetary impact. A few, 4%, say it’s had a positive effect on their earnings.
Medscape also asked respondents for any thoughts they might have for other women doctors. Advice and insights seem to have run the gamut.
“While the blatant discrimination that was more prevalent in the past has largely improved, the systemic sexism that is more subtle is still very much prevalent,” writes an endocrinologist. “Example: Male colleagues are called Dr. X, and I am called by my first name.”
“I am just so thankful that I went into medicine as a career; it’s the best job in the world,” a family physician offers. “My advice to the young doctors is to be yourself and establish your core values early. And, of course, to enjoy the ride.”
To see the full results, click here.
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.