ASPECTS OF WORK OF WOMEN MEDICAL DOCTORS IN THE CAPE PROVINCE : A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION

: Women form an increasingly important part of the medically trained workforce in South Africa. However, little is known about the professional issues and work-related problems affecting them. A survey was undertaken of all registered female medical practitioners practising in the Cape Province in order: (i) to ascertain their current pattern of work; (ii) to identify factors that influence this work pattern; and (iii) to identify factors that would help these women stay in the profession or re-enter it more easily after an absence. A questionnaire on biographical information, qualifications, employment (full-time/part-time), capacity in which employed, ease of keeping up to date, information about those participants not at present practising medicine, and changes in working conditions that would make it easier for those not practising to return to medical practice was posted to all eligible doctors. Of 774 copies posted, 480 were returned (62%). At the time of the survey, 90% of the respondents under 65 years of age were employed. The reason most often cited as to why respondents stopped practising was family commitments. The availability of part-time posts was most often mentioned as a working condition that would make return to work easier. Twice as many respondents found it difficult or very difficult to keep up with current practices than those who found it easy or very easy. There were 196 women (41%) who had been unemployed for more than 6 months; 44 ascribed this to the unavailability of posts. Women doctors need more flexible training schedules and conditions of employment. Part-time training and part-time career options should be extended.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)