Gender pay disparity in anesthesiology

Abstract

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to look at the historical and current gender pay gap in healthcare, specifically in the field of anesthesiology, as well as discuss some of the reasons for the difference in compensation and its consequences. Future aims and directions to bridge the gap will also be explored.

Recent findings: Even though women have achieved equality in terms of admission to medical school and residency programs, disparities still exist in terms of compensation for equal or comparable work. However, institutional initiatives to close the pay gap have achieved success.

Summary: In order to improve the gender pay inequality, there needs to be continuous efforts on the institutional level for recognition of the disparity, initiation of programs for mentorship and sponsorship for female faculties, and continuous monitoring of the effect of the programs.