The Lead Episode 21: A Discussion of Mind the Gap - Sex Disparity in Salaries Among Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Electrophysiologists-JACC EP

JACC EP

Pdf Summary

A recent research study examined the disparities in salaries and job characteristics between male and female pediatric and congenital cardiac electrophysiologists (PCCEs). The study found that female PCCEs earned 78% of what their male counterparts earned, and women were less likely to be in the top 45% of earners compared to men. The study surveyed the entire physician membership of the Pediatric and Congenital Electrophysiology Society, with a response rate of 67%. The data collected included information on individual demographics, practice location, job characteristics, academic rank, research activities, leadership positions, and salary brackets.<br /><br />The study found that there were no statistical differences between men and women in demographic variables, but there was a significant difference in salary distribution, with women earning lower salaries compared to men. The logistic regression analysis showed that being female conveyed a lower odds of having a salary in the top 45% of respondents. The study also found that practicing in the United States and having 15 years of practice were independently associated with a higher odds of having a salary of $300,000 or more.<br /><br />The findings of the study suggest that female PCCEs with similar job characteristics and academic ranking as their male colleagues are paid less, indicating a gender pay gap in the field. The study highlights the need for professional societies to collect longitudinal data on sex disparities in each subspecialty and make that information readily available to their members. Healthcare institutions are urged to increase transparency in physician salaries and to appoint leaders committed to promoting equity and closing the pay gap. Additionally, women are encouraged to advocate for themselves by using research and data to support their salary and promotion requests.<br /><br />It should be noted that the study had limitations, including self-reported data and a potential lack of generalizability due to the majority of the sample coming from the United States. The study calls for further research to corroborate the findings and expand the understanding of disparities in salaries among PCCEs.

Keywords

disparities in salaries

job characteristics

male pediatric and congenital cardiac electrophysiologists

female pediatric and congenital cardiac electrophysiologists

gender pay gap

physician membership

salary distribution

logistic regression analysis

healthcare institutions

gender disparities in salaries