Why Female Neurologists are Paid Lesser than their Male Counterparts?

According to Medscape revenue report, male neurologists were paid $227,000 in 2012 whereas the female neurologists earned $189,000 in 2012. The mean compensation for male neurologists was higher than the women neurologists in 2014. The female neurologists made considerably less money ($200,000) compared to their male counterparts ($226,000) in 2013 as well.

Industry Facts

  • According to a study by JAMA Internal Medicine, the gender gap in terms of earning of physicians has persisted for two decades
  • According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, the gender gap among physicians, dentists, and other healthcare providers has grown in the past decade
    • Bias in Hospital Jobs
    • In terms of hospital jobs, there is an implicated bias against hiring female doctors. This is because employers are concerned about female doctors taking time for child-rearing and other family issues. As per a study conducted by a group of psychologists when presented with male and female doctor resumes with similar qualifications and experience, employers of both sexes were more inclined towards hiring a man.

Why Female Physicians Earn Less?

There is an evident disparity in the physician gender pay; however, the magnitude and cause of this gap are still debatable. According to the industry experts, the pay differences are based on work hours, specialization and productivity. Female physicians are more likely to work as a part-time doctor. Even if they work full-time, they usually put in fewer hours than men. This can be considered one of the main reasons why the physician gender pay gap exists even today.

According to many revenue surveys, male doctors continue to earn an average of 40% or more than their female counterparts. The reasons behind the pay disparity are highly debatable because as per some studies, the female physicians have been offered low salaries even if they worked full time or chose a high-paying specialty. It is unfortunate to know that while the gender pay gap is disappearing in the general workforce, the healthcare sector is showing minimal signs of improvement.

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