Female doctors report measurably higher burnout than male colleagues in UK and US studies. The reasons reveal systemic gender issues in medicine: more time with patients per appointment, more emotional labour, more administrative work in same roles, less institutional power.
What's documented
Female GPs spend on average longer with patients (better outcomes but more time). Carry more emotional labour. Earn less than male counterparts at same career stage. Face additional bias from some patients.
Where policy is responding
Some NHS recognition of issue. Specific support programs in some trusts. Slowly improving childcare accommodations for medical staff. Far short of structural change needed.
Implications for healthcare more broadly
Female doctors are increasingly leaving GP and certain specialties. Workforce planning hasn't adjusted to address attrition. Women patients losing female doctors who often communicated better with them.