How Early-Career Female Physicians Experience Workplace Mental Health and Leaves of Absence In Ontario

Abstract

The intersection of gender and early-career stage on the mental health of physicians is emerging and evident. This qualitative, interview-based study explores the perspectives of early-career female physicians regarding their mental health in the context of their work, their experiences with taking a leave of absence from work, and promising practices and supports that can support early-career female physicians in the workplace with regards to mental health and leaves of absence. Nine interviews with female physicians in the first ten years of practice in Ontario were conducted and analyzed thematically. A conceptual framework borrowed from the Healthy Professional Worker (HPW) Partnership was employed and revised based on the findings. The findings suggest that increased awareness of the challenges faced by early-career female physicians may contribute to the destigmatization of mental health and leaves of absence and foster supports at work. Policy makers and regulatory bodies should consider developing equitable leave of absence policies for physicians and reframing how seeking mental health care is viewed to contribute to positive culture change.