Exploring Attractiveness of the Basic Sciences for Female Physicians

Abstract

In Japan, traditional gender roles of women, especially the role of motherhood, may cause early career resignations in female physicians and a shortage of female researchers. Besides this gender issue, a general physician shortage is affecting basic science fields. Our previous study suggested that female physicians could be good candidates for the basic sciences because such work offers good work-life balance. However, the attractiveness for female physicians of working in the basic sciences, including work-life balance, is not known. In a 2012 nationwide cross-sectional questionnaire survey, female physicians holding tenured positions in the basic sciences at Japan's medical schools were asked an openended question about positive aspects of basic sciences that clinical medicine lacks, and we analyzed 58 respondents' comments. Qualitative analysis using the Kawakita Jiro method revealed four positive aspects: research attractiveness, priority on research productivity, a healthy work-life balance, and exemption from clinical duties. The most consistent positive aspect was research attractiveness, which was heightened by medical knowledge and clinical experience. The other aspects were double-edged swords; for example, while the priority on research productivity resulted in less gender segregation, it sometimes created tough competition, and while exemption from clinical duties contributed to a healthy work-life balance, it sometimes lowered motivation as a physician and provided unstable income. Overall, if female physicians lack an intrinsic interest in research and seek good work-life balance, they may drop out of research fields. Respecting and cultivating students' research interest is critical to alleviating the physician shortage in the basic sciences.

Interest and Attitudes of Medical, Dental Students and Graduates Towards Pursuing Career in Basic Sciences

“…It has been seen that no patient interaction leads to decreased interest and motivation towards a basic sciences career. 19 Secondly, in this study only 3% considered pressure from family as a reason for disinterest in basic sciences, which is consistent with the results of another study where dental students perceived enforcement from family least important factor deciding a career. 20 However, on a larger scale, societal and family pressure does play a very influential role in deciding career paths in this part of the world, as clinicians are held in the highest regard and a basic sciences job is considered less important in society.…”

Employability versus Passion for Basic Sciences: Career Paths of Biology Graduates After Getting Higher Education Diploma

“…Therefore, they might have an apt solid to follow academic life. People with less passion for science are more likely to change careers after graduation due to the considerably higher requirements of academia in the basic sciences, such as harsh work-life balance (Lindfelt et al, 2018;Yamazaki et al, 2017). In such cases, students with a biology degree can pursue a career in more applied fields, such as health (Araneo et al, 2017).…”