title: Exploring female GPs' perceptions about medical leadership.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Women are increasingly entering the Australian general practice workforce. This study aims to explore female general practitioners' (GPs') perceptions of possible barriers to leadership and professional roles in the workforce.
  
  
  METHODS
  A purposive, convenience sample of 30 female GPs in active practice was approached in February, 2012. An anonymous, pa-per-based, semi-quantitative survey sought to identify participation and leadership confidence within general practice in a number of professional roles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The top two barriers participants identified for after-hours medical meetings were energy to attend and geographical location. For after-hours care, the top two barriers identified were energy and self-motivation. Few participants aspired to 'leadership' activities. 'Medical mentoring' was most likely to attract them into leadership.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is important female GPs' perspectives are explored in general practice. This small survey suggests further studies are needed in the importance of energy limitations and lack of self-confidence in restricting female GPs' capacity to fully engage in professional roles.
authors.affiliation: MBBS, FRACGP, Co-Chair of Women in General Practice Committee (formerly Chair of Women in General Practice Committee), Victorian Faculty, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners; PhD candidate Monash University; School of Primary Health Care, Monash University, Notting Hill, VIC.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: Lynette
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Clearihan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D005260:Female; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010465:Perception; D010822:Physicians, Women / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult