On the other hand, many of the changes in the needs of the future rheumatology professionals are as much generational as gender driven. Younger men want the same life-balance options as their female colleagues. That is why gender disparities must be identified and eliminated so that all rheumatologists, regardless of gender, can realize their individual professional and personal goals. The ACR’s Diversity Task Force summed up the underlying objective for the field of rheumatology as follows:
“To secure the future vitality and sustainability of the profession of rheumatology and rheumatology healthcare providers on behalf of patients we care for, the ACR must work to ensure diversity in its membership and to ensure that talents of all are fully utilized, their contributions recognized, and their unique problems addressed. To fail to increase diversity limits our effectiveness as health care providers, educators, researchers, and advocates for our patients.”
Ann Kepler is a medical journalist based in Chicago.
References
- Lo Sasso AT, Richards MR, Chou CF, Gerber SE. The $16,819 pay gap for newly trained physicians: The unexplained trend of men earning more than women. Health Aff (Millwood). 2011;30:193-201.
- Medscape. Medscape rheumatologist compensation report: 2012 Results. Available at www.medscape.com/features/slideshow/compensation/2012/rheumatology. Published March 22, 2012. Accessed September 7, 2012.