Correlates of midlife career achievement among women physicians
P. L. Graves and C. B. Thomas
In the context of a longitudinal study, we explored factors contributing to
midlife career achievement among 108 women physicians. Three groups were
formed, based on medical specialty, specialty board certification, and
professorial appointment. Using analysis of variance procedures, the career
groups were compared on measures obtained during medical school and on
marital status, family size, and three health measures in midlife. Of the
youthful measures, academic standing, father's socioeconomic status, and
early family (specifically father-daughter) relationships were found to be
associated with midlife achievement. Furthermore, a clear association was
observed between success and good health in midlife. Married women formed
the majority in all groups; no differences in family size were found. We
conclude that career achievement among women physicians is influenced less
by marriage and family size than by motivational and personality factors
shaped in early life.
