Abstract
Work-life balance is as a contributor to gender disparity in Cardiology despite equal gender distribution in medical schools [1Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand 2016. Medical Students.Google Scholar, 2Australian Bureau of Statistics. Australian Social Trends 2013.Google Scholar]. Aim: To understand the opinions of the current trainees and recent graduates of the FRACP Cardiology Advanced Training programme regarding gender-neutral part-time, flexible training options, work-life balance and gender parity. Methods: An anonymous, non-identifiable ten question survey link was emailed to the Victorian, NSW group (n = 180), then the remaining group in February and March 2019, respectively. Part-time and flexible training were defined respectively as amount of full-time equivalent/week (eg 0.5 EFT) and block intervals worked (eg alternate 6 months on/off). Results: Of the 79 (44%) respondents thus far, 64% were male and 78.5% felt gender neutral part-time/flexible training options should be available. While 29% would apply for part-time/flexible training if available, 77% worried about applying due to non-favourable perception by employers and colleagues. Training options favoured were flexible 30%, both 61%, and 76% favoured combined responsibility by the institution and trainees to manage work-flow. Gender imbalance and graduate quality were concerning to 60% and 19% respectively. Significant personal/family sacrifices were made by 82%, and concerningly 44% had experienced mood, depression or anxiety issues due to inflexible training hours. Conclusion: Part-time/flexible training options during the FRACP Advanced Cardiology training programme should be available as it is favoured by the majority of trainees and may improve work-life balance, depression and anxiety issues and gender imbalance in cardiology.
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