Claire Pearson1, Miriam Levine2, Anne Messman3, Teena Chopra4, Reda Awali5, Lauren Robb6, Ryan Melikian7, Andrea Janis8, Diane L Levine9. 1. Wayne State University/Ascension St. John, cpearson@med.wayne.edu. 2. Wayne State University/Ascension St. John, Miriam.levine@ascension.org. 3. Wayne State University, amessman@med.wayne.edu. 4. Wayne State University, tchopra@med.wayne.edu. 5. Wayne State University, rawali@med.wayne.edu. 6. Wayne State University, lauren.robb@med.wayne.edu. 7. Wayne State University, ryan.melikian@med.wayne.edu. 8. Wayne State University, andrea.janis@med.wayne.edu. 9. Wayne State University, DLlevine@med.wayne.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the personal and professional experiences of physician mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the pandemic on the lives of physician mothers. METHODS: Using social media to reach a broad range of physicians, a convenience sample of physician mothers completed on-line survey posted between April 27-May 11. Members were encouraged to repost on social media and share with personal contacts resulting in a passive snowball sampling effect. RESULTS: A total of 2709 physician mothers from 48 states, Puerto Rico and 19 countries representing more than 25 medical specialties completed the survey. Most were between 30-39 years of age, 67% self-identified as white, 17% as Asian, 4% as African American. Most had been working for 11-16 years. 91% had a spouse/partner of the opposite sex. Over half were practicing in an area they identified as high COVID19 density while 50% had personally cared for a person with COVID19. Physician mothers were most concerned about exposing their children to COVID19 and about the morale and safety of their staff. CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the first studies to explore the personal and professional challenges facing physician mothers during a pandemic. Physician mothers were most concerned about exposing their families to COVID-19. Mothers continued to work and at times increased their work despite having domestic, childcare and schooling responsibilities.
OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the personal and professional experiences of physician mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the pandemic on the lives of physician mothers. METHODS: Using social media to reach a broad range of physicians, a convenience sample of physician mothers completed on-line survey posted between April 27-May 11. Members were encouraged to repost on social media and share with personal contacts resulting in a passive snowball sampling effect. RESULTS: A total of 2709 physician mothers from 48 states, Puerto Rico and 19 countries representing more than 25 medical specialties completed the survey. Most were between 30-39 years of age, 67% self-identified as white, 17% as Asian, 4% as African American. Most had been working for 11-16 years. 91% had a spouse/partner of the opposite sex. Over half were practicing in an area they identified as high COVID19 density while 50% had personally cared for a person with COVID19. Physician mothers were most concerned about exposing their children to COVID19 and about the morale and safety of their staff. CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the first studies to explore the personal and professional challenges facing physician mothers during a pandemic. Physician mothers were most concerned about exposing their families to COVID-19. Mothers continued to work and at times increased their work despite having domestic, childcare and schooling responsibilities.
Authors: Anne M Doherty; Gabrielle C Colleran; Laura Durcan; Alan D Irvine; Elizabeth Barrett Journal: Ir J Med Sci Date: 2021-03-13 Impact factor: 1.568