Is that your pager or mine: a survey of women academic family physicians in dual physician families.

OBJECTIVE This study explored the unique challenges and strategies of women in academic family medicine who are in dual physician families. METHODS An e-mail survey was sent to all female physician members of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) who were listed in the on-line database. The survey collected demographic information, details of job descriptions and family life, and included 3 open-ended questions about the experiences of dual physician families. RESULTS Over 1200 surveys were sent to women physicians in academic family medicine. One hundred fifty-nine surveys were returned. Half of all women worked full time compared to 87% of their partners. Most women reported benefits of having a physician partner including support and having an understanding person at home, though scheduling conflicts and childcare responsibilities contributed to the need for job compromises. Women prioritized finding work-life balance and having supportive partners and mentors as most important to their success as academic family physicians. CONCLUSION Dual physician relationships involve rewards and conflicts. More research should explore the competing demands of family life with success in academic medicine.