Physician-moms still take on the majority of housework

Physicians who are mothers still take on the majority of housework, according to a new study that suggests domestic responsibilities may contribute to some doctors’ job dissatisfaction. Almost all the roughly 1,700 physician-mothers who were surveyed were married or had a partner, but a majority of them said they were solely responsible for routine child care plans and shopping for children’s clothes. The numbers were more equitable when it came to grocery shopping, cooking, and vacation planning. The survey also found that for physician-moms in “procedural” specialties — including surgeons, anesthesiologists, and OB-GYNs — those who reported being in charge of five or more chores at home were more likely to desire a career change than those who were in charge of fewer tasks.