Merging Motherhood and Medicine: A Qualitative Study Exploring Barriers and Enablers to Motherhood Among Australian Female Doctors

Abstract

Background: Despite the increasing ‘feminisation’ of the Australian medical workforce, female doctors remain under-represented in leadership positions, many specialty areas, and renumeration levels. A key factor implicated in this disparity is the unequal impact of parenthood on mothers. Australian research on this issue is lacking. Aim: To identify the barriers and enablers experienced by Australian female doctors, when combining motherhood with a medical career. Method: Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 18 female Australian physician mothers, during March and May 2020. Interview data were examined using thematic analysis to extract key themes. Results: Six key barriers and seven key enablers were identified. Barriers (B1-6) largely reflected structural and cultural issues operating within health services and the wider medical profession, specifically the (B1) experience of working in medicine; (B2) demands of postgraduate specialty training; (B3) attitudes towards mothers in medicine; (B4) gender inequality; (B5) insufficient entitlements and support; and (B6) competing priorities, conflicting roles. Enablers (E1-7) were predominantly personal and interpersonal supports relating to (E1) supportive partnerships; (E2) non-traditional gender roles; (E3) capacity to outsource; (E4) doctors supporting doctors; (E5) flexible work arrangements; (E6) increasing acceptance and support; and (E7) capacity to combine career and family. Conclusion: This was the first Australian qualitative study to explore motherhood experiences among female doctors. The results indicate that Australian physician-mothers encounter considerable structural and cultural barriers during all stages of motherhood. To facilitate motherhood in medicine, further research is needed to inform policy development and support provisions within Australian health systems.