Intersectionality and Faculty Compensation in Academic Radiology in U.S.

BACKGROUND

The impact of intersectionality on academic radiology physician compensation is not well known.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess impact of intersectionality on academic radiology financial compensation, based on rank, gender and race/ethnicity in US medical schools.

METHODS

Data were collected from the AAMC Faculty Salary Survey, which collects information for full-time faculty at U.S. medical schools. Financial compensation data for radiology faculty with MD or equivalent degree in diagnostic radiology (DR) as well as interventional radiology (IR) was collected for 2023, stratified by rank, gender, and race/ethnicity.

RESULTS

The AAMC Faculty Salary Survey data for 2023 included responses for 683 IR (138 women, 545 men) and 2431 DR (862 women, 1569 men) faculty. Men had a higher median compensation than women at all ranks, for both IR and DR, except DR instructors. The gender pay gap was greater in IR faculty compared to DR faculty of the same rank. All intersectional groups among IR faculty reported a lower median compensation compared to White men of the same rank. All intersectional groups among DR faculty, except Asian Men, had a lower median compensation than White men of the same rank. Among IR faculty, Asian women assistant professors faced the greatest disparity in median compensation, down to $75 K (15%) lower than White men. Among DR faculty, Black/African American women assistant professors faced the greatest disparity on median compensation, down to $48 K (10.5%) lower than White men.

CONCLUSION

The study results raise important concerns about impact of intersectionality on faculty compensation in radiology which needs further study and should be addressed as part of broader drive to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic radiology.