Austin Physicians Join National Charge for Gender Parity in Healthcare

AUSTIN, TX (April 7, 2022) – Liam Fry, M.D., physician and president at Austin Geriatric Specialists, and Sharon Liu, D.O., internist and Chief of Internal Medicine at Austin Regional Clinic (ARC) have joined 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

“I’m proud to be a founding member of this council, which is helping to blaze a new trail for female physicians specifically, and in general, for all women in healthcare positions nationwide,” says Dr. Fry.

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 shows a 25% lifetime pay gap between male and female physicians in the U.S., which adds up to a difference of slightly more than $2 million over a 40-year practice. Females also represent only three percent of healthcare CMOs, six percent of department chairs and nine percent of division chiefs according to the American Medical Association.

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. Drs. Fry and Liu will join forces with other healthcare leaders nationwide to address gaps and challenges currently impacting female physicians and explore opportunities for improvement.

“I am honored to be part of this prestigious national group of motivated and driven female healthcare professionals,” says Dr. Liu. “I also feel fortunate to be part of ARC, where women physicians and professionals are part of the leadership team and included in decisions contributing to a successful healthcare organization with industry-leading patient outcomes. I look forward to bringing my experience to the council -- with the goal of making health care a profession attractive and effective for all.”

About agilon health

agilon health is the trusted partner empowering physicians to transform community health. Through our partnerships and purpose-built platform, agilon is accelerating at scale how physician groups transition to a value-based, Total Care Model. agilon provides the technology, people, capital, and process and access to a peer network that allow physician groups to maintain their independence and focus on the entire health of their most vulnerable 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. agilon is the trusted partner in 17 diverse communities and is here to help more of our nation’s best physician groups and health systems have a sustained, thriving future. For more information go to www.agilonhealth.com and connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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