Gender Pay Inequity

Dr. Wu recently attended the American Medical Association meeting in Chicago, representing the women physician section on the governing council. A significant topic of discussion was women's pay inequity. A 2018 JAMA Cardiology study by R.U Shah revealed a $2.5 million lifetime pay gap between male and female cardiologists in the U.S., using Medicare data. In 2022, V.L. Crosa's study in Argentina reported that 58% of women cardiologists experienced violence compared to 10% of men, highlighting global issues. S.M. Temkin's June 2024 article in Social Science and Medicine noted that female doctors receive fewer referrals, contributing to pay inequity, and face "untitling," where their titles are not used, belittling their accomplishments. These disparities extend beyond medicine into other professions. Women are often advised to pursue non-surgical specialties due to subconscious gender norms, and this bias affects their career progression. Despite societal advancements, women in various fields, including sports, still earn less than their male counterparts. For instance, male athletes earn significantly more in sports like golf and soccer, though tennis shows near parity. These persistent issues emphasize the need for ongoing efforts to address gender pay inequality as we move further into the 21st century. Thank you for tuning in to "Doctors Take the Mic."    References: Shah, RU. The $2.5 million wage gap in Cardiology. JAMA Cardiology, 2018. Crosa, VL. Labor equity, gender violence and cardiovascular risk factors in cardiology specialists. Rev Argentina, 2022.