6 Keys To Help Women Physicians Win At The Negotiating Table

It is common knowledge that women are paid less than their male counterparts in most professions. Unfortunately, this pay disparity also extends to female physicians. With more women entering the medical field each year, it is important to shore up the pay gap. One way is by giving female physicians more power at the negotiating table. Here are six keys that will help female doctors negotiate better compensation packages in their respective fields.

#1 Respect Over Compliance

A lot of people wonder do female doctors get paid less for doing the same work as men with the same qualifications. The short answer is: yes. One way to help shorten that gap is by removing the habit of being compliant in place of receiving actual respect. Respecting one’s effort, accomplishments, and ability will help them better negotiate fair pay.

#2 Consider Mutual Benefits

Negotiations don’t always have to boil down to dollars and cents. Women who look for other benefits such as a chance to lead critical projects or work with emerging technologies have more power during negotiations. Bringing the benefit of one’s experience is as important as gaining opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.

#3 Bring The Unseen To Light

Female physicians face a range of unwritten expectations within the medical field. This can be as simple as being expected to moderate team behavior to training new hires without pay. During the negotiation phase, it is important to highlight these hidden tasks and ensure that compensation or other perks are provided as a trade-off.

#4 Be Assertive

It is easy to take on a passive role during a job interview. After all, no one wants to ruin their chances at a dream job by being a hothead before they are hired. However, female physicians must be respectfully assertive during the negotiation phase. Advocating for one’s needs and expressing one’s expectations from the outset can prevent headaches down the line.

#5 Be Positive When Making Request

Being assertive is important for a female physician during salary negotiations. However, all requests and changes must be framed positively. Instead of taking a hardline by giving the hiring manager a firm no, instead, provide a solution-oriented response that allows them to meet both their needs and yours.

#6 Know Your Worth Through Preparation

The hardest part of negotiations is pinning down the current numbers. Before arriving at an interview a physician should always research the average pay rates for the position offered, the demand for said service, and of course the needs of the employer. Knowing one’s worth and the employer’s needs in advance will provide critical ammunition during the negotiation process.

Negotiating Fair Pay For Your Dream Job

Negotiations are never easy, however, it is a skill that improves with practice. Setbacks should never discourage you and with the right amount of confidence and persistence, navigating the world of physician compensation will be a breeze.