BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Data describing factors associated with work-life balance, burnout, and career and life satisfaction for early career pediatricians are limited. We sought to identify personal and work factors related to these outcomes.

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BACKGROUND: Physicians must balance career and home responsibilities, yet previous studies on work-life balance are focused primarily on work-based tasks. We examined gender discrepancies and factors related to household responsibilities and work-life balance among pediatricians. METHODS: We used 2015 data from the American Academy of Pediatrics Pediatrician Life and Career Experience Study, a longitudinal study of early-career pediatricians. x 2 tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine the effects of gender on household responsibilities, satisfaction, and work-life balance attainment. We formally reviewed responses from 2 open-ended questions on work-life balance challenges and strategies for common themes. RESULTS: Seventy-two percent of participants completed the survey (1293 of 1801). Women were more likely than men to report having primary responsibility for 13 of 16 household responsibilities, such as cleaning, cooking, and routine care of children (all P , .001). All gender differences except budget management remained significant when controlling for parttime work status and spouse or partner work status (P , .05). Women were less satisfied with their share of responsibilities relative to others (52% vs 62%; P , .001), and few women and men report being very successful at achieving balance between their job and other life areas (15% vs 19%, respectively; P = .05). Open-ended responses (n = 1145) revealed many barriers to achieving work-life balance. Strategies to increase work-life balance included reducing work hours, outsourcing household-related work, and adjustments to personal responsibilities and relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Female pediatricians spend more time on household responsibilities than male pediatricians, and gender is a key factor associated with work-life balance satisfaction. WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT: Previous research has revealed that women perform the majority of household labor, yet the extent to which this discrepancy exists for pediatricians is unknown. Work-life conflicts are known to be associated with negative consequences, including professional burnout and career dissatisfaction. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: Early-and mid-career female pediatricians spend more time on household responsibilities than male pediatricians, regardless of the intensity of work commitments, and gender is a key factor associated with work-life balance satisfaction.

Pediatricians are aware of health literacy-related problems and the need for good communication with families but struggle with time demands to implement these skills. Despite awareness of communication-related errors in patient care, pediatricians report underutilizing enhanced techniques known to improve communication.

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT:Schor called on pediatricians to rethink well-child care. Gaps exist between traditional wellchild care and contemporary needs and pressures. A key, but largely missing, perspective in the rethinking of discussions has been that of parents. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS:In this qualitative study, we asked parents to address several core issues including why they attend well-child care visits, the aspects of care they find most valuable, and what changes could enhance the well-child experience.abstract OBJECTIVE: The content and systems surrounding well-child care have received increasing attention, and some propose that it is time to rethink both the delivery structure and central themes of well-child visits. A key, but largely missing perspective in these discussions has been that of parents, whose experiences and expectations are central to developing approaches responsive to family needs. In this study, we asked parents to address several core issues: why they attend wellchild visits; aspects of well-child care that they find most valuable; and changes that could enhance the well-child care experience. METHODS: Twenty focus groups with parents (n ϭ 131 [91% mothers])were conducted by using a semistructured interview guide. Verbatim transcripts were coded for key words, concepts, and recurrent themes. RESULTS:Primary reasons for visit attendance included reassurance (child and parent) and an opportunity to discuss parent priorities. Families valued an ongoing relationship with 1 clinician who was childfocused and respected parental expertise, but continuity of provider was not an option for all participants. Suggestions for enhancement included improved promotion of well-child care, greater emphasis on development and behavior, and expanded options for information exchange. CONCLUSIONS:As the consumers of care, it is critical to understand parents' needs and desires as changes to the content and process of well-child care are considered. Taking into account the multifaceted perspectives of families suggests both challenges and opportunities for the rethinking discussion. Pediatrics 2009;124:858-865