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Gender Based Salary Differences Among United States Academic Otolaryngologists
Larry W Wang1, Taryn E Lubbers2, Kirsten B Burdett3
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, 60611, Illinois, USA.
Summary
Academic otolaryngologists show a gender pay gap in initial analysis, but multivariate models reveal differences in Medicare payments. Further research is needed to understand these financial disparities.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Medical Economics
- Academic Medicine
Background:
- Gender-based disparities in physician compensation are a persistent concern in academic medicine.
- Understanding these differences within specialized fields like otolaryngology is crucial for promoting equity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and quantify potential differences in financial compensation between male and female academic otolaryngologists.
- To identify factors contributing to any observed salary discrepancies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of salary data from otolaryngologists at U.S. public medical schools.
- Utilized Doximity, institutional websites, and faculty correspondence for physician characteristic data.
- Incorporated Medicare billing information to control for clinical effort and research productivity.
Main Results:
- Median salaries differed significantly between genders ($334,334 for females vs. $398,218 for males).
- Univariable analysis showed males earning $90,000 more.
- Multivariable analysis indicated gender was not a significant predictor of salary, but male gender and higher Medicare payments were associated.
Conclusions:
- While initial univariate analysis showed a gender pay gap, multivariate models did not find a significant salary difference based on gender alone.
- However, male otolaryngologists had significantly higher total Medicare payments after adjusting for physician characteristics, suggesting potential differences in clinical practice or patient volume.
