2016 Annual Conference

This roundtable session will review preliminary findings of a qualitative interview study on the career transitions of third age women pediatricians. The research applies Nancy Schlossberg’s theoretical framework for transition, informed by life course and career theories, and with epistemological underpinnings of social constructionism and feminism.

This session is for educators interested in the role of learning in career transitions, career transition theory and strategies, and career trends among older women. The third age has been defined as a period between ages 50-74 with many third age adults looking for what comes next as they anticipate living longer and consider some form of retirement. For some, it is an opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, creativity, and acquisition of wisdom. Others need or want to continue working and those with an interest in new careers want options that quickly transition them to new opportunities.

Along with the U.S. population, the nation’s supply of physicians is aging. There are concerns about a diminishing physician workforce, including pediatricians. Pediatrics has the third largest number of active physicians and highest percentage of females. Approximately 38% of all women ages 55 and over are employed in the U.S. workforce yet there is little empirical information about employment experiences in this demographic group. Career research has been conducted primarily through quantitative survey methods with very little specific to pediatricians. If the reasons for third age women pediatricians’ decisions to remain or leave the workforce are understood better and supports provided, perhaps steps toward addressing physician shortages could be made. With a deeper understanding of the decisions these women are considering and making about work life plans, the contexts within which choices are made, and their learning needs, they can be aided in making transitions in the third age, finding ways to continue to use their talents and foster development. Such an understanding also holds the possibility of benefitting not only older women pediatricians but their peers in other medical specialties, younger women pediatricians, and other professional women.