Being a mommy is never the easiest option. On top of that, being a doctor mommy makes a further challenge. If you are a doctor mommy, you would know.
A study was carried out for a survey with 947 respondents. Several physicians report discrimination after declaring their status as mothers. To be specific, they reported:
- Various Expectations of job performance
- Lack of support during and after pregnancy
- Financial inequities, which include being paid lesser than equally qualified colleagues
- Fewer opportunities for career progression
- Difficulty to achieve life-work balance
One of the respondents said, “I have experienced gender discrimination by my administrators: ‘You should just stay home and be a mom,’ as well as ‘Your husband makes enough money; why do you work?’”.
Some respondents mentioned the denial of salary increments and bonuses due to maternity leave. Some were skipped while considerations were made for leadership roles. After the announcement of a pregnancy or return from maternity leave, some had their contracts revised or terminated.
Being a mother and a healthcare professional comes with numerous professional as well as personal concerns. Let’s take a look at what else is on the list:
Work extending out of work hours
Different career options require different work timings and effort. In the medical career, physicians do not just work till they leave their office. They are on call for most of the day. They have to call their patients, finish notes, and manage their emails. The patients are often less worried about themselves, but the doctor has to do their part and be concerned about their patients’ health.
But, the question is, “How far can a doctor mommy push herself?”
As a mommy, you would have more than just work on your mind. Your child deserves attention when you are home. Try to keep the work limited to the office. Maybe share your duties, and outsource medical billing and coding services to take care of your billing and coding process. It will save you a bunch of time. Use that time to focus completely on your patients when you are at work. And once you are back to your home, spare time for yourself and your family.
Remember, a doctor with a clear and fresh mind knows the best for her patients and family too.
Focus on the moment
Doctors find it difficult to get out of work mode. They know how to multitask. It sort of is the requirement for medical culture. However, trying to be the best at all things at once can compromise quality. For instance, diagnosing a patient and entering the patient’s diagnosis data together can result in overhearing the patient’s concerns or mistyping any important diagnosis code.
Doctor mommies have responsibilities outside of work too. Trying to multitask with this is quite exhausting. It is best to be in one place at a time. Be efficient and organized with your work to be available at home once you step out of your office. Don’t miss what’s happening in front of you. You might have heard of this, “You are exactly where you need to be”. So, practice this and see the wonders.
Prioritize Self-Care
Medical training has intentionally or unintentionally trained doctors to put themselves last. They follow the order of patient care, paperwork, life responsibilities, and then their well-being.
At work, doctors need a focused mind. They have to deal with patients, handle the data, be compliant, and look into several other commitments.
At home, doctors have piled up house chores and mommy duties. The complaints of being unable to find time to eat, sleep or use the restroom continue. While this is being normalized, it shouldn’t be normal. This is not how a normal life of a doctor mommy should be.
Though you have to work in a multidirectional way and take care of your family and work, don’t forget yourself.
No Guilt For The Necessities
If you are pregnant or a feeding mother, you know that there are a few necessities that can’t be skipped. Don’t shy away from asking for maternity leave or a suitable place for pumping breaks. Don’t hesitate to ask for some time off. These breaks are your right and you should never feel guilty about them.
The guilt of asking for something extra doesn’t end here. It may extend to self-doubt in motherhood. At this point, it gets to your mental health. You may doubt whether you are giving enough time to your child. It can lead to you beginning to choose between work and family. Never let the guilt get to this point. Aiming for perfection is not our need.
Doctor mommies are no less than motivation for others. Feel the honor of helping patients and being available for your family too. Take it as a challenge to be a doctor and a mom and be a role model for those around you.
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