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For decades, the medical field has been dominated by an archetype: a driven male rushing from case to case in an all-consuming profession. Over ten years ago, two Dallas pediatricians both shared a vision that they could be excellent physicians and also be loving and involved mothers. They collaborated on a strategy to achieve the outcome they both wanted and re-modeled the archetype for themselves.

Dr. Debra Burns and Dr.Victoria Shinn have a booming practice in which both women are primary physicians to each patient in their combined practice. In their new archetype, each doctor works three days a week and has time to focus on her family and have a life.

A recent article in the American Way magazine, notes that male doctors work an average of 57 hours a week, while the average workweek for women physicians is 48 hours. Longer hours did not translate into higher patient satisfaction. In fact, from UC-Davis Health Services Research, a report states that the patients of women doctors were 27% more satisfied with their physicians than were the patients of male doctors.

According to the American Medical Association, the best male doctors have been quick to imitate the new practices that their nurturing female colleagues are creating. A new archetype is emerging!

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