A $7 Trillion Problem - The Higher That Women Climb, the Further Behind They Fall

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

A $7 Trillion Problem - The Higher That Women Climb, the Further Behind They Fall

Mar 20, 2023, 13:25 PM by MSDC Staff

There is a gender pay gap between male and female physicians which negatively impacts society and the economy.

Despite increased awareness of the gender pay gap stemming from Equal Pay Day and fair pay legislation, there is a persistent gender pay gap between men and women. Studies show that gap extends to male and female physicians. According to the latest Medscape physician compensation report, the disparity cannot be explained by choice of specialty. Among primary care physicians, women earned 25% less than men, and among specialty care physicians, women earned 31% less than men.

Counterintuitively, professional advancement, which should help women close the gender gap, actually makes things worse. As women climb the professional ladder, the pay gap widens, according to a new report by Moody’s Analytics. Differences in skill or labor force participation do not explain this trend.

This has negative repercussions for the future generation of healthcare workers. A recent study found that even among younger workers, women expect to earn less than men. Moody’s estimates that the underutilization of women’s skills and talents costs the global economy $7 trillion.

MSDC leaders have expressed concern over such findings and is working to address gender equity among physicians in the District of Columbia. To find out more, get involved in the Gender Equity Task Force.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.