Just 47% of female doctors found it easy to set up maternity leave – survey

The survey also suggests that choices around having a family affects how 59% of female doctors choose their speciality — with life as a GP seen as more ‘family-friendly’ than surgery. Picture: iStock

Female doctors should not be penalised for starting a family, but almost 70% feel going on maternity leave creates a burden for their colleagues, Irish research shows.

In addition, almost all female doctors who had fertility treatment (86%) had difficulty balancing it and their work obligations.