Conflicts associated with physicians' pregnancies.

The authors surveyed clinical faculty and residents in one medical school to assess perceived stress related to working with a pregnant colleague. The majority acknowledged stress to themselves and their departments yet indicated that pregnancy had a humanizing effect on the work environment. Although most felt that the pregnant physician maintained her professional interests and efficiency, one-third reported women of childbearing age to be a hiring risk. A higher percentage of faculty than residents favored special considerations for pregnant physicians. The authors explore age, sex, and departmental differences and suggest that pregnancy in a physician generates conflicts in her colleagues.