Health Equity
News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues
25th Council session information coming soon.
MSDC Gender Equity Task Force Launches DC Physician Compensation Survey
MSDC’s physician-led Gender Equity Task Force has launched a comprehensive, widespread study of physician compensation as it relates to gender pay parity in the District of Columbia.
Gender pay disparity and its negative impacts are well-documented on a national level, but reliable data on the District of Columbia is lacking. The confidential survey, which can be found here, is open to all physicians in the metropolitan Washington area.
“This survey is a much-needed and comprehensive survey of physician compensation in the District and will assist in gaining a better understanding of gender-based pay equity, or lack thereof, in the District,” said Dr. Monika Masanam, Co-chair of the Gender Equity Task Force. “The lack of reliable data for such a diverse physician community as we have in the District of Columbia is unfortunate. Inequity in all its forms is unsustainable and destructive to the physician workforce and healthcare as a whole. With this important, timely study, MSDC reinforces its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.”
The survey was carefully developed by the Task Force to ensure confidentiality given the nature of the sensitive information being gathered. The survey is open to physicians of all gender identities. The survey will evaluate specialty, tenure, and practice type. It also considers compensation in its entirety including not just base salary, but compensation structure, benefits package, workload, supplemental income, and more.
Since its inception in 2022, MSDC’s Gender Equity Task Force has studied the national gender pay gap and found clear national and regional trends:
- Nationally, male physicians earn more than their female counterparts. Recent studies put the pay gap between 23% and 29%. A Maryland study found a gap as high as 50%.
- Over a lifetime, these disparities can add up to a sizeable difference of $2 million less.
- Additional nationwide data on compensation inequality is available at http://www.msdc.org/genderequity.
In addition to launching the survey, this year the GE Task Force also initiated a mentorship program and held a program on contract negotiations, with plans to do more. As women comprise a growing share of the physician workforce, the Task Force’s work greatly impacts the DC physician workforce and healthcare landscape. Learn more about this important work and how you can participate.
Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked
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.
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.
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.