Female hospital doctors find it harder than GPs to balance career and family

Female GPs are far more likely to have children than female hospital doctors.

More than 80% of female GPs had children, compared with 49% of hospital doctors, according to a new study, which also found that six out of 10 female GPs chose general practice because they felt it involved working fewer hours.

The study's authors say that their findings highlight the need for employers to take prompt action to help women balance a successful career and family life (Family Practice 2003;20:486-8).

The authors, from the University of Birmingham's Department of Primary Care …