The effects of marriage and child–bearing on career satisfaction among female physicians A study of the alumni of two private medical schools

• Published in: Igaku Kyoiku / Medical Education (Japan) Vol. 42; no. 4; pp. 209 - 215
• Main Authors: Nomura, Kyoko, Yano, Eiji, Tsurugano, Shinobu, Yamazaki, Yuka, Marui, Eiji
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japan Society for Medical Education 25.08.2011
• Subjects: career satisfaction; child-bearing; female physicians; marriage
• ISSN: 0386-9644; 2185-0453
• DOI: 10.11307/mededjapan.42.209

The number of female physicians is increasing. In Japan, marriage and child–bearing have been considered barriers preventing female physicians from working continuously. This study investigated the effects of marriage and child–bearing on career satisfaction among female physicians. 1)We surveyed the alumni of two private medical schools (University A: n=646; University B: n=316). The response rate was 38% for University A and 71% for University B. 2)When the subjects were asked if they were satisfied that they had chosen a career as a physician, 85%(n=400) answered that they were satisfied. 3)In total, 348 female physicians (74%) were married, and of them, 280 (80%) had experienced childbirth, and 259 (77%) were married to physicians. 4)Factors that significantly and positively affected career satisfaction were marriage for all female physicians and child–bearing for married female physicians. 5)The results of this study suggest that marriage and child–bearing, rather than being obstacles to career development, have positive effects on the career satisfaction of female physicians.