578 Work-Life Balance for Women in Cardiology Compared to Other Specialties

Significant gender disparity exists in Cardiology with women comprising only 14% of cardiologists. This study aimed to determine work-life balance of women in Cardiology compared to other specialties, and personal contributing factors. Female doctors from the Women in Cardiology and Basic Physician Training groups, Medical Mums (Australia/NZ) and Doc to Doc (Women’s Edition) Facebook pages were invited to complete a 62-item survey. Participants were classified according to nine specialty groups (cardiology, non-cardiology physician, critical care, general practice, obstetrics/gynaecology, paediatrics, surgery, pre-vocational, other). Statistical differences between cardiology and all other specialties groups (excluding pre-vocational) were analysed. 452 female doctors participated [median age 36 (IQR 32-41)]- 13% in Cardiology, 84% partnered and 71% parents. Mean work hours were 43/week (SD 14.6). Women in Cardiology worked longer hours (mean 48.5 hrs/week cardiology vs other 41.5, p<0.001), were more likely to be on call at least two nights/week (33% vs 12%, p<0.001), less likely to agree they led a balanced life (33% vs 51%, p=0.014), with similar ability to choose start/finish times (31% vs 28%, p=0.63). Women in Cardiology were more likely to earn an annual income of over $300,000 (35% vs 10% p<0.001), with no statistical difference in the proportion who were divorced or separated (10.7% vs 4.1%, p=0.11) or childless (30% vs 24%, p=0.37). Women in Cardiology report poorer work-life balance than other specialties with greater hours worked and greater on call commitments, though higher remuneration. Addressing work-life balance may attract and retain more women in Cardiology.