The wage gap between male and female physicians has persisted for decades, despite evidence that women provide care equal to or better than their male counterparts.^1,2 In family medicine, women earn approximately 16% less than men after controlling for seniority and hours worked,³ resulting in a difference of $1.8 million over a 30-year career, according to one study.⁴ While estimates of the pay gap's magnitude vary, two aspects remain consistent throughout the literature: 1) the gap exists, and 2) much of it is beyond the control of individual physicians. Still, there are some steps individual physicians can take, and we should understand the reasons behind the gap so we can advocate for systemic change.

WHY THE GENDER WAGE GAP EXISTS

Research has identified several contributors to the gender wage gap. Women in family medicine are underrepresented in highly compensated practice settings, such as urgent care centers, and overrepresented in lower-paying settings, such as federally qualified health centers and academic institutions. Other contributors are related to practice patterns: Women often spend more time with each patient, which reduces the total number of patients they see per session.⁵ In a system where compensation is often tied to relative value units (RVUs) generated, this impacts salaries.