title: In search of work/life balance: trainee perspectives on part-time obstetrics and gynaecology specialist training.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Part-time training (PTT) is accessed by approximately 10% of Australian obstetrics and gynaecology trainees, a small but increasing minority which reflects the growing demand for improved work/life balance amongst the Australian medical workforce. This survey reports the attitudes and experiences of both full-time and part-time trainees to PTT.
  
  
  METHODS
  An email-based anonymous survey was sent to all Australian obstetrics and gynaecology trainees in April 2009, collecting demographic and training status data, data on personal experiences of PTT and/or trainees, and attitudes towards PTT.
  
  
  RESULTS
  105 responses were received (20% response rate). These indicated strong support (90%) from both full-time (FT) and part-time (PT) trainees for the availability of PTT. PT trainees were significantly more likely than FT trainees to be female with children. Improved morale was seen as a particular advantage of PTT; decreased continuity of care as a disadvantage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although limited by poor response rate, both PT and FT Australian obstetric trainees were supportive of part-time training. Both groups recognised important advantages and disadvantages of this mode of training. Currently, part-time training is accessed primarily by female trainees with family responsibilities, with many more trainees considering part-time training than the number that access it.
authors.affiliation: School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Amanda.Henry@unsw.edu.au.
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Henry
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Clements
authors.forename: Ashley
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kingston
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Abbott