DEIBXXEM2418 - CME/CMLE - Analysis of Industry-Related Payments Among Physician Editors of Pathology Journals-Analysis of Industry-Related Payments Among Physician Editors of Pathology Journals

Analysis of Industry-Related Payments Among Physician Editors of Pathology Journals

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The study, published in the *American Journal of Clinical Pathology* in February 2023, investigates the gender disparities in industry-related payments to physician editors of 35 pathology journals using data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Open Payments Database spanning from 2014 to 2020. The study focuses on 193 physician editors, comprising 135 men and 58 women, and examines the total and mean payments they received from industry sources.<br /><br />Key findings highlight significant gender disparities: men were compensated with approximately 11 times more industry payments annually than women (91.3% of the total payment went to men). The range of payments for men was significantly broader, with the highest payment reaching over $47 million compared to a maximum of about $2.3 million for women. The average total payment per male editor was around $1.72 million, while it was $362,058 for female editors.<br /><br />Specific categories further illustrate these disparities. Men received notably higher amounts in consulting fees, compensation for serving as speakers, travel and lodging, and research-related funding compared to women. Men also held a disproportionate share of senior editorial positions.<br /><br />The study suggests that these financial inequities could contribute to broader career advancement discrepancies between male and female physicians, given that industry funding has been associated with higher academic productivity and recognition. Despite accounting for variables like academic rank, the significant payment gaps remained.<br /><br />The authors emphasize the need for further study into the financial relationships between journal editors and industry and suggest that reducing industry influence on editorial boards may help mitigate bias and conflict of interest. They advocate for greater transparency and efforts to achieve gender equity within the editorial boards of pathology journals.

Keywords

gender disparities

industry payments

physician editors

pathology journals

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Open Payments Database

consulting fees

academic productivity

financial inequities

gender equity