Factors associated with emergency physician income

Abstract

Objective Income fairness is important, but there are limited data that describe income equity among emergency physicians. Understanding the magnitude of and factors associated with income differences may be helpful in eliminating disparities. This study analyzed the associations of demographic factors, training, practice setting, and board certification with emergency physician income. Methods We distributed a survey to professional members of the American College of Emergency Physicians. The survey included questions on annual income, educational background, practice characteristics, gender, age, race, ethnicity, international medical graduate status, type of medical degree (MD vs DO), completion of a subspecialty fellowship, job characteristics, and board certification. Respondents also reported annual income. We used linear regression to determine the respondent characteristics associated with reported annual income. Results From 45,961 members we received 3407 responses (7.4%); 2350 contained complete data for regression analysis. The mean reported annual income was $315,306 (95% confidence interval [CI], $310,649 to $319,964). The mean age of the respondents was 47.4 years, 37.4% were women, 3.2% were races underrepresented in medicine (Black, American Indian, or Alaskan Native), and 4.8% were Hispanic or Latino. On linear regression, female gender was associated with lower reported annual income; difference −$43,565, 95% CI, −$52,217 to −$34,913. Physician age, degree (MD vs DO), underrepresented racial minority status, and underrepresented ethnic minority status were not associated with annual income. Fellowship training was associated with lower income; Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) program difference −$30,048; 95% CI, −$48,183 to −$11,912, non‐ACGME‐program difference −$27,640, 95% CI, −$40,970 to −$14,257. Working at a for‐profit institution was associated with higher income; difference $12,290, 95% CI, $3693 to $20,888. Board certification was associated with higher income; difference, $43,267, 95% CI, $30,767 to $55,767. Conclusions This study identified income disparities associated with gender, practice setting, fellowship completion, and American Board of Emergency Medicine or American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine certification.

Association between the American Board of Emergency Medicine Oral Certifying Examination and Future State Medical Board Disciplinary Actions

“…ABEM certification is associated with improved clinical outcomes, 8 more efficient, cost‐effective care, 9 and better preparedness for caring for children 10 . Of importance to the specialty, ABEM certification is also associated with lower rates of attrition from clinical practice 11 and with higher physician income 12 . Maintaining ABEM certification is associated with fewer state medical board (SMB) disciplinary actions 13 .…”

“… 10 Of importance to the specialty, ABEM certification is also associated with lower rates of attrition from clinical practice 11 and with higher physician income. 12 Maintaining ABEM certification is associated with fewer state medical board (SMB) disciplinary actions. 13 The association with a lapse in certification and SMB disciplinary actions has been reported in other specialties.…”