SRS10 - Surgery and pay disparity between the sexes: a systematic review of the gender pay gap of research related payments in surgery

Abstract Background Gender pay gaps persist across industries, including healthcare. This systematic review aimed to assess whether a gender pay gap exists in research related payments among surgeons across different specialties. Methods A systematic review was completed by searching PubMed and Embase for English language primary studies published from 2000 onwards. Studies were screened against predefined eligibility criteria and categorised by the type of payment analysed. Included studies reported on research related earnings of male and female surgeons in any surgical specialty. Results Of 6250 records identified, nine studies met inclusion criteria. All were United States based, with male surgeons comprising an average of 83% of study participants. Six studies reported on research grant payments, which was higher on average for male surgeons, (range 110–126% of female surgeon payments), and statistically significant for four. Trends were consistent across subspecialties for orthopaedics, vascular, ophthalmology, otolaryngology and neurosurgery. Three out of nine studies found no significant difference in likelihood or rate of obtaining funding between genders, however, one noted that female surgeons were less likely to be designated research roles associated with higher annual funding. Conclusions This review highlights a persistent gender gap in research related payments to surgeons, potentially due to underrepresentation, lower funding rates and a lack of mentorship opportunities for female surgeons. However, the underlying causes remain inconsistently reported, highlighting the need for further research to inform policy and address disparities.