A position paper on gender equity issued by American College of Physicians (ACP) proposed measures to achieve equitable pay for men and women in the field of medicine, increase the number of women in medical leadership roles, and invest in research on the consequences of gender compensation inequity. 

The paper, which was published online on April 17, 2018, was discussed during a news conference at the ACP Internal Medicine Meeting. Molly Carnes, MD, MS, professor and Jean Manchester Biddick Professor of Women's Health Research, Geriatrics and Gerontology, authored an accompanying editorial.

According to a 2018 Medscape Physician Compensation Report, a pay gap in which women earn between 16 percent and 36 percent less than male counterparts in the same field exists in all areas of medicine, including academic medicine. 

While the ACP’s position paper is timely and important, Dr. Carnes wrote, it does not guarantee gender equity. 

Noting that “gender stereotypes threaten the realization of ACP’s goal,” Dr. Carnes explained that by stating its commitment to equity, ACP’s paper may result in unintended negative consequences, a phenomenon referred to the "illusion of fairness," the "paradox of meritocracy," or "moral licensing." 

Resources:

• Butkus, R, et al. 2018. Achieving Gender Equity in Physician Compensation and Career Advancement: A Position Paper of the American College of Physicians. Annals Internal Med. 168(10):721-723.
• Carnes, M. 2018. The American College of Physicians Is Working Hard to Achieve Gender Equity, and Everyone Will Benefit. Annals Internal Med. 168(10):741-743.
• "The Time for Gender Equity Is Now, Says ACP," Medscape, April 21, 2018
• "ACP advocates for gender equity for physicians," Healio, April 20, 2018
• "ACP: Position Paper Recommends Solutions to Close Gender Equity Gap," Endocrinology Advisor

Photo caption (top): Dr. Molly Carnes speaks during a Department of Medicine Research Day event in 2015. Photo credit: Clint Thayer/Department of Medicine