Women Physicians: Gender and the Medical Workplace

Understanding the work habits, attitudes, and experiences of women physicians is critical for optimal patient care. An analysis of the medical literature (1990–2017) was undertaken to answer the following question: how are women physicians’ work habits viewed within the framework of women’s attitudes and experiences? A literature review was performed to identify gaps in past research and help design a longitudinal qualitative analysis of the work experiences and perceptions of women physicians. Published studies were located using search engines, review of article references, consultation with experts, and relevant Mesh terms. Of 1185 listings, 354 studies and abstracts were evaluated, and 44 articles were selected based on cultural context by three reviewers. Four themes emerged—practice styles, productivity, prevailing attitudes, and the workplace environment. Comparing women physicians to male colleagues as a standard for evaluating performance undervalues unique characteristics women bring to medicine. Productivity models typically focus on quanti- tative measures (e.g., work hours, procedures, and publications) that do not encompass the full scope of patient care. Qualitative data suggest need for further modification in physician training and in practice settings. Studies seldom capture the differing work habits, effects of workplace attitudes, and distinctive obstacles faced by women doctors. Solutions offered have been mainly designed to help women physicians fit into existing gendered workplace environments, but traditionally available ‘‘adapt or exit’’ options in response to challenges faced appear insufficient. A gender equity perspective helps to explain findings and suggests ways to reshape the health care workplace to better understand, utilize, and retain women physicians.