Physician mothers shouldering more of the burden than fathers during the pandemic

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2021-11-13 03:00

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When it comes to physician parents, mothers may be shouldering far more of the burden of childcare, schooling, and household tasks during the COVID-19 pandemic, and are more likely to work from home, reduce work hours, and experience conflict and anxiety or depression, according to international research. The team surveyed 215 physician parents in late 2020, finding that there was a significant disparity in the work and family experiences and mental health symptoms between mothers and fathers during the pandemic. The authors suggest that gender inequalities within medicine were increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and they indicated that further attention and resources should be given to reduce the potential negative consequences for the wellbeing of physician mothers.