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The American Journal of Gastroenterology (2005) 100, 259–264; doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2005.41005.x
Gender Disparity in the Practice of Gastroenterology: The First 5 Years of a Career
Carol A Burke MD, FACG, FACP1, Suriya V Sastri MD, FACG1, Gordon Jacobsen MS1, Freda L Arlow MD, FACG1, Robyn G Karlstadt MD, FACG1 and Patricia Raymond MD, FACG1
1The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Willowbrook, Illinois; Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan; InKine Pharmaceuticals, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania; Chesapeake, Virginia
Correspondence: Carol A. Burke, MD, Desk A 30, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195
Received 3 August 2004; Revised 0000; Accepted 12 August 2004.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Despite an unprecedented demand for gastroenterology services, the number of gastroenterology trainees has decreased over 50% since 1993. Women comprise nearly 50% of the U.S. medical school student population; yet only occupy 16% of gastroenterology fellowship positions. In order to recruit the best candidates to gastroenterology we must be able to demonstrate the attractiveness of a career in the field. A prospective study was performed to identify the career choices of graduates from gastroenterology fellowship programs using a prospective study model and to identify whether gender differences exist in the practice of gastroenterologists up to 5 yr after completion of training.
METHODS:
A survey gathering information on demographics, practice pattern, and income was mailed to two cohorts of gastroenterology fellows 3 and 5 yr after graduation.
RESULTS:
A total of 247 subjects completed the 3 yr and 220 subjects responded to the 5-yr survey. At 3 yr, men reported higher income (p < 0.001), worked longer hours per week (p < 0.002), and were more likely to be part owner of the practice (p= 0.027). Females reported fewer children (p < 0.007), lower board certification rates (p < 0. 002), worked for larger, multispecialty practices (p < 0.001), and practiced more internal medicine. These differences were still present at 5 yr into gastroenterology practice.
CONCLUSIONS:
Significant differences in practice type, earnings, board certification, professional standing, and alterations in family planning are noted between male and female gastroenterologists in the initial 5 yr of their practice.
