Impact of a district branch Task Force on women

A questionnaire sent to all women psychiatrists and trainees in North Carolina as part of the development of a district branch Task Force on Women indicated that institutional sexism affects the careers of many of the respondents. Problems of family-professional role conflicts were especially pronounced in residents and faculty women. Survey findings have resulted in recommendations in the areas of education, communication, and increasing women's participation in task force and district branch activities. The authors feel that such task forces provide a much needed network of supportive relationships for women psychiatrists and raise the consciousness of the district branch regarding women's issues.