Female surgeons in Canada’s reproductive healthcare system are paid 28% less than their male counterparts, with larger gaps in some provinces.
Revealing a Troubling Issue
A recent study in Canada shows female surgeons performing procedures on female patients are paid 28% less on average than male surgeons conducting similar surgeries on male patients, revealing a troubling gender pay gap in reproductive health care.
Deep Concern Among Medical Professionals
The findings, published in the Canadian Journal of Surgery on July 4, have sparked deep concern among medical professionals and advocacy groups, as the disparity appears to be particularly pronounced in certain provinces.
The Shocking Discrepancy
Saskatchewan tops the list of the eight provinces, exhibiting a shocking discrepancy of 67%, followed by British Columbia at 61% and Yukon at 41%.
Speaking Out
One of the leading voices speaking out against these disheartening statistics is Joanne Sivertson, the provincial department head for Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) in Saskatchewan.
The Numbers Are Very Disappointing
Despite being desensitized to gender disparities due to her professional experience, Sivertson finds the numbers deeply disappointing and considers the situation demeaning to women.
The Surgeries Are Essentially the Same
The research examined similar procedures carried out on both male and female reproductive organs, revealing that surgeons receive higher compensation for performing biopsies on male genitalia compared to female genitalia, even though the procedures are essentially the same.
Double Discrimination
Michael Chaikof, one of the study’s authors and an OB-GYN and urogynecologist at Sunnybrook in Toronto, referred to this discrepancy as “double discrimination.”
Notably, he also highlighted that the majority of surgeons in the gynecology field are women, making the gender pay gap all the more troubling.
Undervaluation of Care for Women
Experts suggest that historic policies and the undervaluation of care for women have contributed to the perpetuation of these disparities over the years.
Significant Corrective Measures Needed
Pay increases are often calculated by percentage, further entrenching the under-evaluation of women’s care. Significant corrective measures will be needed to achieve gender equality in medical compensation and resource allocation.
Attitudes Persist Today
One telling incident shared by Sivertson from her time as a medical student reflects the attitudes that persist today.
A male OB-GYN teacher expressed concern that only women were entering obstetrics and gynecology, suggesting that it would undermine the profession’s credibility.
The Dangerous Procedures Are on Women
The discrepancies in pay become even more concerning when considering that some procedures, though more difficult and dangerous when performed on women, still receive lower compensation.
The Complexity and Risks of These Surgeries
Sivertson highlighted a specific procedure where untwisting an ovary requires entry into the abdominal cavity, making it more complex and riskier than untwisting a testicle.
However, the former is paid 50% less than the latter, highlighting the urgent need for recognizing and rectifying these imbalances.
The Need for More Resources
Recognizing these disparities is seen as the crucial first step toward effecting change. Sivertson emphasizes the need for more resources to be allocated to women’s care, particularly in provinces struggling to provide basic women’s health services.
Gender Equality in Healthcare
Medical professionals hope that this study will drive provincial medical associations to revisit their fee schedules through a gender equity lens.
By empowering surgeons to advocate for gender equality, meaningful changes are expected to be made to close the gender pay gap.
Changes Will Be Complex
Dr. Annette Epp, president of the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA), acknowledged that fee structure adjustments can be complex but conveyed the association’s commitment to addressing the issue through the lens of gender equality.
They Need Comprehensive Reform
She lamented that Saskatchewan is lagging the most in the country in this regard, signaling the need for comprehensive reform.
The Modernization of Payment Schedules
In response to an interview request, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health stated that physicians directly bill the government for each insured service provided.
The ministry and the SMA are working towards modernizing the payment schedule to ensure consistent, equitable, and appropriate payments to practitioners offering insured health services.
Disparities in Men and Women
The study’s revelations sparked a crucial conversation about recognizing and correcting disparities in women’s healthcare compared to men’s.
It urged society and the medical profession to take action for better outcomes and equality.
The Path to Gender Equality
The path toward true gender equality in the reproductive healthcare system requires collective action, commitment, and continuous advocacy.
Her Friend Said She Was Pathetic, so She Canceled a $12,000 Gift Payment for Her Fertility Treatments!
A frustrated woman recently took to Reddit to ask for opinions after she canceled a $12,000 payment to help her friend pay for fertility treatments. Her Friend Said She Was Pathetic, so She Canceled a $12,000 Gift Payment for Her Fertility Treatments!
He Secretly Throws a ‘Rare’ Steak Out the Window, Only to Realize It Is Closed, and It Catches the Attention of Everyone in the Restaurant!
In an attempt to get away with not eating a severely undercooked steak during dinner with his wife’s boss, this guy fails miserably. The resulting situation is far more embarrassing than he expected. He Secretly Throws a ‘Rare’ Steak Out the Window, Only to Realize It Is Closed, and It Catches the Attention of Everyone in the Restaurant!
Clever Woman ‘Sprinkler Showers’ Her Trespassing Neighbors Who Refused to Leave Her Yard
A woman was shocked to find the peacefulness of her own home disrupted by crazy strangers. When they refused to leave, she had to get creative. Read on to hear her full story! Clever Woman ‘Sprinkler Showers’ Her Trespassing Neighbors Who Refused to Leave Her Yard
His Mother and Sister Demanded That His Wife Should Stay at Home, He Would Only Allow It if They Agree to Pay Their House Bills!
A confused and frustrated husband sparked outrage on Reddit after he told his mom and sister to pay his bills if they thought his wife should give up her job. He feels bamboozled by the whole situation. Here is his full story. His Mother and Sister Demanded That His Wife Should Stay at Home, He Would Only Allow It if They Agree to Pay Their House Bills!
She Denied Her Future In-Laws Access to Her Son’s Wedding Fund, Which They Desired for Their Benefit!
This mother sought advice from the Reddit community after her son’s future in-laws asked her for the money she was going to use for the wedding – instead of paying for the wedding! She Denied Her Future In-Laws Access to Her Son’s Wedding Fund, Which They Desired for Their Benefit!
The post Gender Inequality in Healthcare – Female Surgeons Earn 28% LESS Than Male Surgeons, Raising Concerns About the Gender Pay Gap first appeared on Fistful of Dollars.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / stefanolunardi. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
Source: Canjurg