News

As if being a woman in medicine was not a struggle already, new research shows women in medicine who need to pump breast milk face especially daunting challenges.

A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine looks at the difficulties facing women who pump at work. The study surveyed over 700 physician mothers via the American Medical Women's Association outreach lists and social media. All surveyed women had conceived or adopted their first child after medical school. 

Survey results showed alarming statistics:

• 40% of trainees reported difficulties accessing adequate facilities or time for pumping
• 34.5% of trainees and 23.7% of attendings reported experiencing discrimination due to the need to pump
• 72% of respondents rated "protected locations for nursing/pumping breast milk" as extremely important

See the study here.

The authors identified four medical cultures they believe should change (see Tweet thread here):

1. Creating an office culture supportive of pumping
2. Setting aside protected time for pumping
3. Ensuring pumping space is hygienic and near work areas
4. Complying with legal requirements and ensuring financial parity

Join the MSDC Women in Medicine Section to discuss this and other realities of being a woman in medicine at our event February 3 to celebrate National Women Physician Day. Learn more and register here.