Survey of female physicians about leaving a full-time joband returning to work / 医学教育

ABSTRACT

Introduction: In Japan, the number of female physicians is increasing rapidly. Therefore, surveying female physicians about their current working status, especially about their continuing to work, is important.<br>Methods: In September 2009, we sent a questionnaire regarding working status to 1403 female physicians who had graduated from Okayama University Medical School or who were working at university-affiliated hospitals or facilities at the time of investigation.<br>Results: Of the 420 female physicians who responded （response rate, 29.9％）, 46.6％ （n＝191） had left their jobs at some time, and 92.4％ （n＝171） of them had done so within 10 years after medical school graduation. The most common reason for leaving their jobs was childbirth／childcare, and the second most common was their husband’s job transfer. Of those who had ever left their job, 82％ （n＝151） wished to return to work at the time of their leaving. Only 27.2％ （n＝74） took childcare leave.<br>Discussion: Female physicians have trouble continuing their clinical work and developing their careers while caring for children. A system should be developed to support physicians who wish to continue their clinical work during life events, such as childcare. In particular, career support during the first 10 years after graduation from medical school is extremely important.