Effective male allies ‘recruit, train and retain’ female gastroenterologists
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MIAMI – Female gastroenterologists continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions and earn less than their male counterparts, spotlighting a critical ally role for males, noted a presenter at Scrubs and Heels Summit.
Despite some progress in the field, gender gaps persist in pay and promotions – and not for lack of female presence in the pipeline.
“[Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)] data from 2019 suggested that women make up one-third of physicians in the United States, yet only 18.9% were practicing gastroenterologists,” Samir A. Shah, MD, FACG, clinical professor of medicine at Brown University’s Alpert Medical School, told attendees. “Moreover, 50% of medical school matriculants were women, but only 43% completed internal medicine residency.”
This disparity was further corroborated by data from the American Board of Internal Medicine which found that “roughly 40% of first-year GI fellows were women, and only 19% of 63 matched advanced fellows were women.”
AAMC data also revealed that only 16% of medical school deans are female, along with 18% of department chairs and 25% of full professors. “There are larger disparities if you factor in race and ethnicity,” Shah noted.
Gender disparity is also apparent in salaries: “$82,000 less on average for women in GI – that is just unacceptable,” he continued.
“But why do we need to have male allies?” he asked. “First of all, there’s not enough women to do the job alone. It also shouldn’t be their responsibility alone; it should be our joint responsibility to improve as part of our overall diversity, equity and inclusion goals.”
There is also a fiscal incentive to move the needle, Shah noted.
“Other than because it’s the right thing, we need to do it because it’s in our interest if you care about your bottom line. Women want to see women physicians, so you want to expand your reach whether you’re in private practice, like I am, or in academics.”
To be an effective male ally, Shah recommended that male gastroenterologists start simply. “Sponsor your colleague, value her voice, nominate her for awards, promote her and pay her fairly,” he said. “Be an upstander for her so don’t just sit on the sideline; recruit, train and retain her.”
In addition, being an ally means being aware of the disparities between genders in domestic responsibilities, especially considering that women traditionally do roughly twice the amount of domestic work and childcare.
“Listen and be aware of the situations, problems and unique challenges that women face,” Shah concluded. “For example, duties at home, fertility issues, pregnancy, maternity leave, pumping, single parent and ergonomic issues. In meetings, if you notice women not speaking, ask for their input if they have something to say. They may be intimidated especially if they are the only women in the room. Also, announce that you are an ally and are supportive; this can encourage more men to be allies.”
Shah S. You Don’t Have to Walk Alone: Finding male allies in GI. Presented at: Scrubs and Heels Summit; March 24-27, 2022; Miami.
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Shah S. You Don’t Have to Walk Alone: Finding male allies in GI. Presented at: Scrubs and Heels Summit; March 24-27, 2022; Miami.
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