Women now comprise 31 percent of the physician workforce — an increase of 400 percent since 1981, according to an analysis of the American Medical Association's physician database.
Only 12 percent of physicians were women in 1981. Since that time, the number of male physicians has increased by just 52 percent. Overall, the physician population has grown by 35 percent since 1981.
The increase of female physicians is consistent with the growth of women in the workforce in general. For instance, 27 percent of lawyers were women in 2009. In 1980, women made up only 8 percent of lawyers.
The findings were based on the AMA Physician List, which Medical Marketing Service analyzed based on gender.
Survey: 70% of Physicians Plan to Work Longer Until Retiring
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Only 12 percent of physicians were women in 1981. Since that time, the number of male physicians has increased by just 52 percent. Overall, the physician population has grown by 35 percent since 1981.
The increase of female physicians is consistent with the growth of women in the workforce in general. For instance, 27 percent of lawyers were women in 2009. In 1980, women made up only 8 percent of lawyers.
The findings were based on the AMA Physician List, which Medical Marketing Service analyzed based on gender.
Related Articles on the Physician Workforce:
Physician Employment Up by 32% at Hospitals Over Past DecadeSurvey: 70% of Physicians Plan to Work Longer Until Retiring
California Retained the Most Physicians in 2010