Gender-related differences in general practice preferences: longitudinal evidence from the Netherlands 1982-2001.
The proportion of female doctors is increasing. Yet, there is little evidence that demonstrates changing career preferences over a long period, nor do we know the long-term impact of changing male-female ratios in medicine. We explored this within the GP profession. By means of a longitudinal cohort study (postal questionnaires) among all graduated GPs in the Netherlands between 1982 and 2001 we explored trends in career preferences and investigated whether practice preferences of men and women differ over the years. Preference of becoming a GP has significantly decreased among men. GPs prefer group practice more than solo practice. Female doctors were more likely to prefer a small practice and to associate. Men prefer to take over an established practice. Main reasons to abstain from practicing as a GP for men were having found another job or not having found a practice according to their preferences. Main reasons for women were having decided for another job and family life. We conclude that male and female GPs select differently on practice setting. Preferences change through the years but tend to converge. Gender differences are likely due to the circumstance that career choices for men are more influenced by fluctuating labour markets, while female choices are more based on family circumstances. We expect that as more women will become a GP the demand for small group practices will increase. Also, as many female GPs abstain from practicing after having finished a vocational GP training program it will be essential to create work facilities to keep them available for the GP labour market.
Mayorova
Tanja
T
Faculty of Medicine, University of Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Stevens
Fred
F
Scherpbier
Albert
A
van der Velden
Lud
L
van der Zee
Jouke
J
D000328:Adult; D002321:Career Choice; D004651:Employment / Q000639:trends; D005194:Family Practice; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006123:Group Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010822:Physicians, Women / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011177:Postal Service; D011331:Private Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce