HCSA has today joined with women medics and academics in an appeal for testimony to mark the launch of an independent review aimed at tackling the root causes of the gender pay gap among doctors.
The Association will play a role in the review, established by the Department for Health and Social Care and chaired by Royal College of Physicians President Jane Dacre, to consider the drivers of the gap and obstacles that stop a female doctor progressing her NHS career in the same way as male counterparts.
The #MedPayGap campaign will see women doctors take to social media to give their own take on the issues involved.
HCSA president-elect Dr Claudia Paoloni (pictured), who is set to be the Association’s first ever women president next year, said: “The causes of the gender pay gap in medicine are complex and deeply rooted, but with more than half of entrants to the profession now women the need to address them has reached a crescendo.
“Our goal is to ensure that every doctor in an increasingly feminised workforce has a fair opportunity to excel and progress to the very highest level.”
The intention to host the review was announced by the Secretary of State in July 2016.
HCSA will contribute to the expert review alongside other stakeholders, including the BMA and Medical Women’s Federation.
HCSA Policy lead Dr Leanne-Marie McCarthy-Cotter said: “Concern about the gender pay gap in medicine is not a new phenomenon.
“In 2009 the Deech report, commissioned by the then chief medical officer, put forward recommendations to improve opportunities for women in medicine. However, nearly a decade later we continue to witness a considerable pay gap.
“The concerns highlighted by the Deech report have not been fully addressed and as a result, on average, women still earn less than men, continue to experience inequality, and face barriers in the profession.”