Primary Article

African American Female Physicians in South Carolina Role Models and Career Satisfaction

Authors: KAY F. McFARLAND MD, JOYL A. SMITH BA, CAROLYN A. WEST PhD, DONNA R. RHOADES PhD

Abstract

Abstract Background. This study examined the factors that influenced African American women to select medicine as a career and their satisfaction with their career choice. Methods. Of 132 African American female physicians in South Carolina, 62 responded to a survey of open‐ended questions about why they chose medicine, what they liked and disliked about their career, and who influenced their decision to become a physician. Results. The majority chose medicine for altruistic reasons and found that medicine provided challenge and the opportunity to make a positive difference. Family members, teachers, and physicians served as the common external influences in their decision to become a physician. Managed care, paper work, and time demands constituted the most disliked aspects of medicine. Conclusion. Altruistic reasons and/or an interest in science motivated most of these African American female physicians to study medicine. Family members most often were their principal role models.

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References