Buffalo Physician Joins Charge for Gender Parity in Healthcare

BUFFALO, NY (April 14, 2022) – Jesenia Cruz, M.D., family physician at Buffalo Medical Group, has been appointed to the agilon health Female Physician Leadership Council, an organization of women who are “breaking the glass ceiling” for female physicians nationwide. agilon health, a company that empowers physicians to transform community health, created the council to celebrate and honor women doctors across the U.S. -- while raising awareness about the specific challenges they face in the healthcare system.

One of the challenges female physicians may deal with is inequity. Research shows that females in healthcare are paid less and underrepresented in leadership roles as compared to their male counterparts. A new report published in Health Affairs finds a 25% lifetime pay gap between male and female physicians in the U.S. For a female physician, that adds up to a difference of slightly more than $2 million over a 40-year practice. According to the American Medical Association, females also represent only three percent of healthcare CMOs, six percent of department chairs and nine percent of division chiefs.

Ironically, studies reported in peer-reviewed medical journals, such as Lancet and JAMA, reveal that female physicians deliver better patient outcomes, including lower readmission and mortality rates.

The council’s collective goal is to foster collaboration between women physicians and male physician allies across a broad network of more than 1,600 PCPs nationwide. Dr. Cruz is joining forces with other healthcare leaders nationwide to address challenges currently impacting female physicians and explore opportunities for improvement.

“Female physicians consistently deliver high-quality, value-based care to their patients and their impact on our healthcare system needs to be recognized,” says Dr. Cruz. “I’m excited to be part of this prestigious council that is paving the way for the advancement of women in the field of medicine.”

About agilon health

agilon health is the trusted partner empowering physicians to transform health care in our communities. Through our partnerships and purpose-built platform, agilon is accelerating at scale how physician groups transition to a value-based, Total Care Model for senior patients. Together, agilon and its physician partners are creating the healthcare system we need – one built on the value of care, not the volume of fees. The result: healthier communities, and empowered doctors.