A Commitment to Gender Equity in Medicine: An American Medical Women's Association Position Paper

J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2025 Apr;34(4):451-457. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2024.0958. Epub 2025 Jan 29.

Abstract

Background: The American Medical Women's Association (AMWA) highlights the ongoing gender inequities in the medical profession, particularly in pay, leadership roles, workplace treatment, and work-life integration. Objective: To present evidence of gender disparities in medicine, analyze their root causes, and propose strategies for fostering a more equitable and inclusive environment. Findings: Despite progress, women physicians continue to face significant disparities, including lower salaries, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and discrimination. These issues are particularly pronounced among minority women and physician mothers. Recommendations: AMWA advocates for transparent pay structures, robust antidiscrimination policies, comprehensive support for physician mothers, and a shift toward work-life integration to ensure that all physicians can thrive professionally and contribute fully to patient care. Conclusion: By addressing these inequities, the medical profession can create an environment where all physicians thrive professionally and contribute fully to patient care.

Keywords: gender equity; leadership inequity; pay disparity; women physicians; workplace discrimination; work–life integration.

Publication types

  • Consensus Statement

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Gender Equity*
  • Humans
  • Leadership
  • Male
  • Physicians, Women* / statistics & numerical data
  • Salaries and Fringe Benefits
  • Sexism*
  • United States