Objectives: To identify barriers and enablers to motherhood experienced by female doctors
in Australia. Methods: Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 18 female
physician-mothers in Australia, during March and May 2020. Interview data were examined
using thematic analysis to extract key themes. Results: Six key barriers and seven key
enablers were identified. Barriers (B1–6) largely reflected structural and cultural issues
operating within health services and the wider medical profession. Barriers were the …

Background: Despite the increasing 'feminisation'of the Australian medical workforce, female
doctors remain under-represented in leadership positions, many specialty areas, and
renumeration levels. A key factor implicated in this disparity is the unequal impact of
parenthood on mothers. Australian research on this issue is lacking. Aim: To identify the
barriers and enablers experienced by Australian female doctors, when combining
motherhood with a medical career. Method: Semi-structured telephone interviews were …