HEART STRAIN: Waikato Hospital cardiologist Raewyn Fisher said female medical specialists are naturally inclined to choose general practice and specialist areas that are more suited to working part-time and allow breaks for having children.

An increasing number of female medical specialists is putting district health boards under growing pressure because women work less than men, a senior doctors' advocate says.

Association of Salaried Medical Specialists [ASMS] executive director Ian Powell says recruitment pressures are escalating because female medical specialists work less than men and want a better work-life balance.

But a female medical specialist at Waikato Hospital said while women might want different things, they are definitely pulling their weight in the health sector.

Powell's comments came during a briefing to Parliament on the changing demographic of the medical workforce.

He said several aspects should compel health boards to recruit and retain specialists, one of which is the proportion of women specialists is increasing.

In 2011, 27 per cent of the specialist workforce was female - up from 19 per cent in 2000 and 13 per cent in 1990, according to ASMS.

The numbers suggest the trend is continuing. In 2011, 52 per cent of registrars were female. Because females tend to work fewer hours than males, the working-life contribution for female medical practitioners, when measured in total time worked, is estimated about 80 per cent of that of a male.

"This must be taken into account in projected workforce requirements," Powell said.

Raewyn Fisher, a Waikato Hospital cardiologist - the only female specialist in a department of 13 - said it was no secret female doctors were more inclined to choose general practice and specialist areas that might be more suited to working part time. These positions also allowed breaks for having children.

"As specialty training is longer, more intense and usually involves overseas training, this can be a deterrent to many. This training is usually done during their 20s, when many prefer to start their family," she said.

"Having said that, it is helpful that these days there are more women with partners who are able and willing to take a more active role in child-rearing.

"Once women become specialists, none of us would say we opt for less time on call or expect reduced hours or clinical responsibility just because we are mums.

"We do have to be like the boys and put in a lot of time and effort to make it to the higher levels in this profession.

"In some specialties women used to have to work harder than males to prove themselves as equals. Fortunately most specialties have moved on from this."

Hamilton-based Labour list MP and women's affairs spokeswoman Sue Moroney said Powell's analysis of the situation was not the sexist evaluation it seemed at first glance.

"What he is pointing out to the DHBs is that women are an increasing part of the health workforce and that's an immensely positive thing.

"With higher pay and higher status comes the opportunity to achieve a better work-life balance.

"That's good for women in the field and it is good for men as well because the benefits will flow through to them.

"For years we have trained up these fantastic men who, because of the pressures of the job, have burned themselves out in a short space of time. That's not a new problem.

"The increase in women is driving a more holistic approach to how they conduct their careers and their responsibilities."