The annual take home pay of female GPs with children is $10,000 less than their male counterparts with children, according to new research conducted by the University of Melbourne.

 

The discrepancy in pay is a result of female GP mums working fewer hours, while 'doctor dads' continue to work longer hours than their female counterparts.

 

"Male GPs with children seem to work longer hours in order to be the responsible 'breadwinner' as their partners take time off," lead author of the report  health economist Tony Scott said.

 

The study — published by the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research — also found female GPs who have kids earn up to $25,000 less than childless female doctors.

 

They also earn significantly less than male GPs without children.
 


“As more women become doctors, the impact of this on access to health care and health care costs is important for medical workforce policy," Professor Scott said.

 
"To maintain the participation of women in the medical workforce, medical training programs and medical jobs need to be made more flexible.”
 


The research is based on the experiences of 3,618 GPs surveyed between 2008 - 2009 as part of the Medicine in Australia: Balancing Employment and Life (MABEL) panel survey.