PROBLEMS OF FEMALE MEDICAL GRADUATES DURING THEIR CAREER IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY; PAKISTAN

Abstract

Purpose: Working lady doctors have to face many problems during their career, which affect their efficiency and often they have to quit the profession. Study is conducted to review these problems.

Methodology: Working female graduates and post graduates from house officers to consultant level were included in study and a Proforma based interview done regarding the problems they mostly suffer during their carrier. Total ten issues were mentioned in Proforma.

Results: Results showed that 70% of females have problems regarding prolonged duty hours. 65% has to face the problems from their male colleagues. 37% thinks their family life is affecting the carrier and 58% mentioned that carrier is affecting their family life. 26% complaint of male gender preference. 47 % has transport issue. 44% has problems in administrative work. 31% has daycare issue. 48% has financial consideration as one of the reasons to work. 20% has to give break in their career mostly due to family problems. 46% are satisfied with their career life.

Conclusion: Female doctors have to suffer from many problems during career. Mainly the prolonged duty hours, transport and administrative work issues. Both the family life and career mutually affect each other. Workable problems like daycare and transport issues can be solved at institutional level.