Differences in Work-Life Experiences of Physicians by Parenting Status, Gender, and Training Level During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented new challenges for physicians, and physician-parents specifically. Few studies have focused on work-life changes in this population. The present study investigated work-life changes in a group of physicians during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A survey was distributed electronically to physicians affiliated with a U.S. medical school inquiring about experiences during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 to September 2020).

RESULTS

In logistic regression models adjusted for age, significantly more female physician- parents reported increased burnout, increased time with kids, and increased fear of going to work compared to male physician-parents. Around 1 in 2 attendings reported burnout, regardless of parenting status.

CONCLUSION

While high rates of burnout were found across all groups in this study, differences were found by gender and parenting status. Further research is needed to understand burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic and to support physician-parents.