Perspectives of female medical students and physicians on professional development in Japan

Introduction: Female physicians often interrupt their careers due to fulfilling family caregiving roles, with childbirth and child-rearing being significant reasons for temporary leave or resignation. The employment rate of female physicians in Japan shows an M-shaped curve, with a low proportion in leadership positions. Female medical students also have anxiety about balancing family and career. While support systems are recognized as necessary, female physicians' experiences and career development perceptions are underexplored. Therefore, this study investigates their career aspirations and challenges. Methods: This study conducted semi-structured interviews with eight fourth-year Japanese female medical students and nine Japanese female physicians with over nine years of clinical experience. Interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Four main themes related to professional life emerged: work environment, marriage and childbirth, continuation of work, and career development approach. Female students expressed concerns about inadequate support systems and balancing career and family. Female physicians, even with support, worried about burdening colleagues, and experienced gender bias. Both groups cited advanced maternal age as a concern and recognized career development barriers due to part-time work after childbirth. Female students desired to maintain work, while physicians struggled to regain skills and knowledge after extended leave. Conclusions: Female students harbor anxieties about balancing work and family. Integrating learning opportunities about female physicians' experiences into early stages of education is crucial. Establishing communities of practice for career development can address these issues—involving both male and female students and physicians. This study highlights the need for support systems and role models to enhance the career fulfillment of female medical students and physicians in Japan.