Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on Physician Moms

• DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2021.49
• Publication Date: 2021-02-16T06:44:00Z
• Authors: Claire Pearson; Miriam Levine; Anne Messman; Teena Chopra; Reda Awali; Lauren Robb; Ryan Melikian; Andrea Janis; Diane L. Levine
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Physicians; Surveys and Questionnaires; Humans; COVID-19; Mothers; Female; Child; Pandemics; 3. Good health

AbstractObjective:This study evaluates the personal and professional experiences of physician mothers during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the impact of the pandemic on the lives of physician mothers.Methods:Using social media to reach a broad range of physicians, a convenience sample of physician mothers completed an on-line survey posted between April 27 and May 11. Members were encouraged to repost on social media and share with personal contacts resulting in a passive snowball sampling effect.Results:A total of 2709 physician mothers from 48 states, Puerto Rico, and 19 countries representing more than 25 medical specialties completed the survey. Most were between 30 and 39 y of age, 67% self-identified as white, 17% as Asian, 4% as African American. Most had been working for 11-16 y. A total of 91% had a spouse/partner of the opposite sex. Over half were practicing in an area they identified as high COVID-19 density, while 50% had personally cared for a person with COVID-19. Physician mothers were most concerned about exposing their children to COVID-19 and about the morale and safety of their staff.Conclusions:This is one of the first studies to explore the personal and professional challenges facing physician mothers during a pandemic. Physician mothers were most concerned about exposing their families to COVID-19. Mothers continued to work and at times increased their work, despite having domestic, childcare, and schooling responsibilities.