Vienna Doctors Survey: Female Physicians Face Career Barriers Due to Family & Gender Bias

Vienna – A recent survey commissioned by the Vienna Medical Chamber reveals that a significant majority of female doctors in Austria continue to face disadvantages in their careers compared to their male colleagues. The findings, presented on Monday, highlight persistent challenges in achieving gender equality within the medical profession.

According to the survey, conducted among 1,409 of approximately 8,000 female doctors in Vienna, 64 percent have experienced disadvantages during their careers. These disadvantages manifest as devaluations and distrust of their competence, stemming from both patients and male colleagues, the report states.

While overall career satisfaction among Vienna’s female doctors is relatively high, with three-quarters expressing contentment, a notable disparity exists between those in private practice (88 percent satisfied) and those employed by hospitals (69 percent). This suggests systemic issues within the hospital environment may contribute to lower job satisfaction.

Family Planning as a Major Obstacle

Family planning and childcare responsibilities remain the most significant career obstacles for female doctors, cited by 52 percent of respondents. A staggering 93 percent believe that motherhood creates structural disadvantages for women in medicine. Lack of support from superiors was the second most frequently mentioned barrier.

The survey also shed light on the prevalence of sexism experienced by female doctors. 59 percent reported regularly encountering demeaning comments, not only from patients (60 percent) but also from colleagues and supervisors (59 percent). More than half (54 percent) reported unwanted suggestive remarks from superiors, while 27 percent experienced unwanted physical contact, and four percent reported sexual assault by superiors. Mistrust of their competence is also frequently experienced, particularly from patients (62 percent) and supervisors (44 percent).

Chamber Sees a Societal Problem

Vienna Medical Chamber President Johannes Steinhart described the findings as a societal problem, not limited to the medical field, during a press conference. He stated that political action is needed to address the issue. The Chamber is calling for greater flexibility in working hours to improve work-life balance.

Female doctors in private practice would like more flexible regulations for contracted services with health insurance funds – such as flexible opening hours, job-sharing models, greater promotion of group practices, and improved coverage arrangements, according to Chamber Vice President and head of the private practice section, Naghme Kamaleyan-Schmied. The introduction of maternity protection for doctors with health insurance contracts is also urgently needed.

Within hospitals, targeted support programs specifically for women and more family-friendly working conditions are needed, including flexible working hours, part-time models, and more on-site childcare, said Eduardo Maldonado-González, head of the employed doctors section and also a Chamber Vice President. He also appealed for male colleagues to have the courage to intervene when faced with dismissive or suggestive remarks towards female doctors.

Recent research also highlights broader challenges faced by women in medicine. A 2023 study assessing surgical residents in Austria found that female physicians must immediately interrupt their surgical training upon announcing a pregnancy. Research indicates that while women physicians experience high rates of discrimination, traditionally feminine communication styles are actually well-suited to the caring nature of the profession.