Female doctor bias causing staff crisis, warn consultants

THE growing number of female doctors is causing a staffing crisis as they are avoiding jobs that involve weekend work and long hours, claim consultants.

There is also a shortage of hospital doctors because women are looking for part-time hours and opting for general practice because the hours are more family-friendly.

Figures from the Irish Medical Council show women (2,343) outnumber men (2,248) as doctors aged 20-35 for the first time.