Canadian Radiology Gender Pay Gap-Reality or Myth?

Area of Science:

• Medical Economics
• Radiology
• Sociology of Medicine

Background:

• Prior research indicates a gender pay gap (GPG) among Canadian physicians.
• Data on income disparities within the specialty of Radiology is limited.
• Understanding gender-based income differences is crucial for equity in the medical profession.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the existence and extent of a gender pay gap among practicing Canadian radiologists.
• To identify demographic and work-related factors associated with income disparities in radiology.
• To provide data that can inform policies aimed at achieving pay equity in the field.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing online surveys distributed to Canadian radiologists and trainees (May-July 2021).
• Data collected on self-reported income, gender, ethnicity, region, parental status, work hours (full/part-time), and academic position.
• Statistical analyses included chi-square tests to examine the association between gender and income, controlling for covariates, and Pearson correlations for opinion variables.

Main Results:

• Four hundred fifty-four practicing radiologists responded, with a majority being women (51.2%).
• A significant association was found between gender and self-reported income (P < .05), with more men reporting incomes greater than $500,000.
• No significant income-gender relationship was observed for radiologists who were ethnic minorities, had no children, worked part-time, or held non-academic positions.

Conclusions:

• The study suggests a gender pay gap exists within Canadian radiology.
• The findings highlight the need for further research into the specific factors contributing to this disparity.
• Collecting demographic data by professional organizations like the Canadian Association of Radiologists is supported as important for addressing the GPG.