Clinical Report: Do Women Physicians Leave Practice Earlier Than Men?

Overview

A nationwide longitudinal study found that female physicians are 43% more likely to leave clinical practice than their male counterparts, with a median age of attrition of 49 years for women compared to 64 years for men. This trend persists across various specialties and practice settings, raising concerns about the implications for the healthcare workforce.

Background

The attrition of female physicians from clinical practice is a significant issue that could exacerbate existing clinician shortages, especially as women increasingly enter the medical field. Understanding the factors contributing to this trend is crucial for developing strategies to retain female physicians and ensure equitable healthcare delivery. The findings highlight the need for systemic changes to address the unique challenges faced by women in medicine.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Female physicians have a 1.43 likelihood of attrition compared to male physicians.
• The median age at attrition is 49 years for female physicians and 64 years for male physicians.
• Attrition rates are higher in rural settings (1.42) compared to urban settings (1.43).
• Specialty-specific attrition likelihood ranges from 1.26 in hospital-based specialties to 1.72 in psychiatry.
• Unadjusted exit rates are higher for female physicians at 4.57 exits per 100 person-years.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare organizations should implement policies that address the systemic issues contributing to the higher attrition rates among female physicians. Strategies may include improving work-life balance, providing support for parental leave, and fostering a more inclusive workplace culture. Addressing these factors is essential to retain female talent in the medical workforce.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to support female physicians and mitigate their early attrition from clinical practice. Ensuring a diverse and stable physician workforce is critical for maintaining quality patient care.

Related Resources & Content

1. Rotenstein LS, et al., Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2023 -- Sex Differences in Physician Attrition from Clinical Practice Across Specialties: A Nationwide, Longitudinal Analysis
2. The New Gastroenterologist, 2025 -- Physician Earnings: Modest Increases Amid Significant Disparities
3. The New Gastroenterologist, 2025 -- Managing Maternity and Paternity Leave in Private Medical Practice
4. Insights into Female Urologists' Perspectives and Work Schedules in Germany, 2023
5. Ophthalmology Management — Facing Down Retirement
6. Sex Differences in Physician Attrition from Clinical Practice Across Specialties: A Nationwide, Longitudinal Analysis | Journal of General Internal Medicine | Springer Nature Link
7. National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being | The National Academies Press
8. Patients Treated by Female Physicians Had Better Mortality Rates | Geriatrics | JAMA | JAMA Network
9. Professional Coaching to Reduce Physician Burnout: A Randomized Clinical Trial | Journal of General Internal Medicine | Springer Nature Link
10. Should I Stay, or Should I Go? Emotional Exhaustion’s Association with Intent to Leave in a National Sample of Female Physician Trainees - Tyra Fainstad, Adrienne Mann, Lila Steinberg, Maria A. Woodward, Ami Shah, 2025