Disparities persist between women, men in ophthalmic industry relationships
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Key takeaways:
- Women make up the minority of ophthalmologists receiving industry payments.
- Differences in work-life balance and less aggressive salary negotiations may contribute to disparities.
Disparities persist between men and women in physician-industry relationships, research funding and leadership positions, according to a speaker.
“Industry ties can not only be a significant source of income but also are closely intertwined with professional advancement in both academic and private centers,” Jella An, MD, MBA, said at the American Glaucoma Society meeting. “For example, serving in an advisory role in a biomedical company can lead to becoming an influential key opinion leader in the field. That can lead to more grant and research support, opportunities to lead trials as a PI, more invitations to speak at conferences and meetings, and more publications as a co-author so you have more platforms to disseminate your work, which in turn will help you gain more reputation and greater access to future opportunities.”
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A 2016 JAMA Ophthalmology study found a significant degree of inequity between women and men, An said, with women making up the minority of ophthalmologists receiving industry payments as well as earning less from industry relationships overall. Another analysis examining ophthalmology open payments between 2015 and 2018 showed that, compared with 2014, women received significantly less research-related funding. Additionally, the difference between average payments between men and women increased over a 5-year period, from $9,538 in 2013 to $22,553 in 2018.
“Interestingly, a broader range of payments were given to a greater number of men, where women generally receive a more concentrated and predictable amount,” An said.
An said that possible reasons for these disparities may include work-life balance differences in family duties, less aggressive salary negotiations, and women spending more time in collaborative work, student mentorship and service to an institution.
“To support the growth of women in ophthalmology, it is critical to acknowledge these disparities and raise awareness,” she said.
Ophthalmologists can engage in diversity- and gender-related research, mentor and support women, and support women’s representation in industry relationships and leadership. Women also need to know their value and negotiate their worth.
References:
- Babcock L, et al. Women Don’t Ask: Negotiation and the Gender Divide. Princeton University Press; 2003.
- Larson AR, et al. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2020;doi:10.1089/jwh.2019.7723.
- Levine RB, et al. Acad Med. 2011;doi:10.1097/ACM.0b013e318217e83b.
- Patel M, et al. Am J Ophthalmol. 2022;doi:10.1016/j.ajo.2021.09.001.
- Reddy AK, et al. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2016;doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2016.0552.
- Strong EA, et al. J Gen Intern Med. 2013;doi:10.1007/s11606-013-2521-2.
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An J. Women in Glaucoma (WinG) — Gender disparities in ophthalmology: Industry relationships and payment. Presented at: American Glaucoma Society meeting; March 2-5, 2022; Austin, Texas.
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