Survey of men and women residents entering United States obstetrics and gynecology programs in 1981.

In July 1981, questionnaires were distributed to 1,128 residents entering the field of obstetrics and gynecology throughout the United States; 546 (48%) were returned and evaluated, 229 from women (42%) and 317 from men (58%). Factors that related to the choice of the specialty showed a universal interest in the birthing process and the surgical aspects of the specialty, with a large majority also interested in health education, endocrinology, primary care of young people, and achievement of a greater understanding of sexuality. Private partnership practice was favored by most of the respondents. Men attributed a greater importance to income than did women, who were more interested in a salaried practice and less irregularity of hours. Women tended to be more liberal on questions that were related to controversial medical and ethical issues in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. Role models, half of whom were teachers, were equally common to men and women (66%).