Racial, Ethnic, and Gender Representation in Obstetrics and Gynecology: A Global Perspective on Workforce Disparities and Patient Care Implications.

Abstract

High-quality care in obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) is closely linked to patient satisfaction. However, disparities in care delivery based on patient demographics, including gender, race, and ethnicity, have been documented in the literature. As healthcare institutions strive to improve the quality of care provided to their patients, diversity among gynaecologists is emerging as essential to achieving this goal. Increasing diversity among gynaecologists can lead to better representation of diverse patient populations and improved patient-physician concordance, resulting in higher patient satisfaction. Available evidence shows that there are high levels of disparity in workforce in the field of OBGYN. An example can be provided with women in the United States who make up about 57% of the OBGYN physicians and yet their representation in leadership positions remain lower than expected. Likewise, the ratio of racial representation is not balanced, as about 68% of the OBGYN physicians are White and only 8 and 5% are Black and Hispanic physicians respectively. Moreover, research has found that there is almost a 21% gender pay gap even with the workload and volume of procedures. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of key gender, racial, and ethnic disparities that exist in OBGYN care in developed countries, particularly the United States, highlighting the need for further research in developing regions. We highlight the importance of reducing and monitoring these disparities through quality metrics to promote better clinical practice and physician well-being. Our review provides valuable insight for healthcare institutions and policymakers to promote physician representation, enhance patient-physician experiences, and improve patient outcomes in OBGYN practice.