The perceived intersection of parenting, family planning, and career decisions among practicing PAs

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between parenting status, profession choice, and career advancement among practicing physician associates (PAs). METHODS: An anonymous survey asking PAs about their perceptions of the relationship between family planning and their professional experiences was included as an optional module in the 2023 American Academy of PAs Salary Survey. RESULTS: Among the 626 PAs who completed the survey, 62.0% of respondents (388/626) indicated that family planning influenced their decision to become a PA. Statistically significant differences by gender emerged. Compared with male PAs, female PAs reported a higher distribution of household duties (58.8% [±21.9] vs 41.6% [±24.1]; P < .001), childrearing responsibilities (56.6% [±18.3] vs 36.8% [±18.2]; P < .001), and decisions to decline leadership opportunities due to parenting- or pregnancy-related responsibilities (29.9% [149/499] vs 20.0% [20/100]; P < .05). CONCLUSION: Parenting is a factor in many PAs' decisions to pursue the profession; however, there is a gender disparity in how parenting status impacts home responsibilities and career advancement.