New research conducted by the Ontario Medical Association has shed light on a significant gender pay gap among physicians, with male specialists receiving more referrals and higher billings compared to their female counterparts. This disparity in earnings highlights deep-rooted unconscious biases within the medical field, despite the fact that over 40 percent of physicians in Canada are women. Recognizing the need for change, Dr. Andrew Park, President of the OMA, emphasized the importance of honest conversations to address these biases and create a more equitable environment for female physicians entering the field.
The study, which analyzed OHIP billing data for 7.6 million new referrals made by 32,824 physicians to 13,582 specialists in Ontario between 2018 and 2019, revealed that physicians of both genders were more likely to refer patients to specialists of the same gender. However, male physicians referred a greater number of patients to male specialists, resulting in higher billings and contributing to the overall gender pay gap. According to Dr. Lyn Sibley, Director of the OMA’s Healthcare Evaluative Research department, 83 percent of the difference in earnings was attributed to the disparity in referrals, while 17 percent was due to higher billings.
To address this gap, the researchers stress the need for policy changes that provide female specialists with more opportunities to perform procedures and acquire skills. Dr. Park, acknowledging that more women are graduating from medical school than men, emphasizes the importance of tackling this issue proactively. The OMA aims to find solutions and address inefficiencies in the system, including the implementation of a gender-blind, centralized referral system.
In addition to policy changes, the association suggests that a referral system based on wait times could help narrow the gender pay gap. This system would enable primary care physicians to refer patients to specialists with the shortest wait times, potentially benefiting female doctors who are believed to have shorter wait lists due to referral biases. The study also revealed that referring physicians were more likely to refer patients to specialists with similar years of experience and those practicing at the same hospital. By implementing a queue-based system that prioritizes patients’ needs rather than specific surgeons, specialists, or practitioners, delays in care can be minimized.
As part of its efforts to improve the healthcare system, the OMA has already proposed the creation of a centralized wait-list and referral system for certain surgeries and procedures in each of the six health regions in Ontario. The Ministry of Health, working collaboratively with healthcare partners including the OMA, expressed its commitment to finding innovative solutions that enhance accessibility to healthcare for Ontarians.
In conclusion, addressing the gender pay gap in medicine requires a multifaceted approach involving policy changes, unbiased referral systems, and a commitment to creating a more equitable environment for female physicians. By actively acknowledging and addressing unconscious biases, the medical field can work towards a future where gender disparities are eliminated, allowing equal opportunities for all medical professionals.
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