Generational and gender perspectives on career flexibility: ensuring the faculty workforce of the future.

l r a t i w o m i c t w g p o a a There is growing national concern regarding the future adequacy of our physician workforce. The general population aged more than 65 years is predicted to double by 2030, and increased age is commonly accompanied by greater health care needs. The physician population also is aging; 1 in 3 active physicians is currently aged more than 55 years and likely to retire by 2020. A physician shortage is predicted by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Further affecting the physician workforce is the observation that physicians are choosing to work differently. Many publications in both medical and popular literature describe generational differences toward work. They describe younger workers as placing a higher value on family, career flexibility, and work–life balance than their predecessors. This difference is likely based on the different roles both sexes assume at work and at home. The Families and Work Institute (FWI) reports that more young men are assuming