Family and Family Support
Of the physicians, 17 percent were single, 68 percent married, 12 percent separated or divorced, and 7 percent widowed. As might be expected, single physicians tended to be younger (40 and under), and divorced and widowed physicians tended to be older (divorced 45-plus, widowed 50-plus).
Thirty-two percent had no bilogic children, 11 percent had one child, 25 percent two children, 19 percent three children, and 14 percent more than three children. Of the 13 percent who had step-children, adopted children, or foster children, 5 percent had one, 4 percent two, 2 percent three, and 1 percent more than three. Seventy-four percent had no children living with them, 11 percent had children under six years old, 15 percent had children 6-12 years old, and 20 percent had children 12-18 years old. Nine percent of the physicians had an older person living with them.
In response to a question about wage-earning status, 62 percent described their current families as dual-career families, 11 percent were the sole supporter, and 9 percent were the only professionals in their immediate families.
In response to a question about family attitudes toward their professional roles, 87 percent reported that they had the emotional support of their families of origin, and 93 percent reported that they had the emotional support of their current families.
Source: Women Physicians in Leadership Roles