Women make up more than one-third of all physicians in the United States and are the growing majority among medical students. However, a large amount of anecdotal evidence and one small-sample study indicate that a significant proportion of female physicians either no longer work full-time or are considering cutting back. This problem existed before the pandemic, but add it into the mix and it’s no wonder why their withdrawal from the workforce is creating crises for health care providers trying to staff operations.
Why So Many Women Physicians Are Quitting
The forces driving them out — and what organizations can do to keep them.
January 19, 2022
Summary.
Huge numbers of women physicians are cutting back or quitting and taking jobs that offer them more flexibility in terms of hours and the ability to work from home. This withdrawal is creating a crisis for health care organizations — one that promises to deepen in the years ahead if it isn’t addressed. Research sheds new light on the causes and points to three strategies that can stem the tide.
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Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to build a better, more just workplace.