Snapshot
- The late inclusion of women in clinical trials and its implications.
- The dominant role of women in the healthcare workforce.
- The vast expertise required of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
- Disparities in pay and reimbursement rates in women’s health.
- Recognizing and validating women’s pain experiences.
Overview
In this edition of Slice of Healthcare, we delve into some lesser-known facts about women’s health, shedding light on disparities, achievements, and the unique challenges women face in the healthcare sector.
The Historical Oversight in Clinical Trials
Fast Fact #1: It’s startling to realize that only in 1993 did regulations mandate the inclusion of women and minorities in clinical trials. Before this, white males dominated these trials, with dosages merely adjusted to account for gender differences.
Women: The Backbone of the Healthcare Workforce
Fast Fact #2: Women constitute a significant majority in the healthcare sector – 75% in hospitals, 77% in health services, and a whopping 84% in social assistance. This underscores the ripple effect of women-centric health issues on the broader community.
The Multifaceted Role of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Fast Fact #3: Obstetricians and Gynecologists (Obgens) have a vast scope of knowledge, covering over 105 different indications, excluding fetal health. This spectrum includes six distinct types of cancer.
The Gender Pay Gap in Specialties
Fast Fact #4: Alarmingly, Obgen salaries rank lower than all other procedural specialties, a trend that coincided with the specialty’s shift towards a female-majority workforce.
Reimbursement Disparities in Reproductive Health
Fast Fact #5: Procedures on the female reproductive tract are reimbursed at lower rates than their male counterparts. For instance, biopsies on male genitals fetch surgeons 45% more than those on females.
Understanding Women’s Pain Thresholds
Fast Fact #6: Scientifically, women have a higher pain threshold than men. Given that many women’s health issues revolve around menstrual cycle pain, it’s crucial to take their pain complaints seriously.
