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Publication
Some trainees are more equal than others : the pediatric residency pay gap
Book Contribution - Book Abstract Conference Contribution
Background and aims
In Belgium, medical doctors in specialty training (residency years) are employed under a distinct and
unique statute (sui generis). Although legal provisions exist, recent polls showed relevant
heterogeneity in adherence to employment contracts, wages, and social benefits.
Methods
Junior representatives of the Flemish association for pediatrics (Jong VVK) conducted a descriptive
cross-sectional study among trainees in pediatrics in Flanders in 2019, who are employed in both
university and non-university training centers. By means of an anonymized online survey their wages,
working conditions and fringe benefits were collected and studied.
Results
Fifty-four surveys were completed by 48 unique trainees. Data concerned employment regimens from
21 hospitals. The average gross and net monthly salary were, respectively, € 3182,63 (standard
deviation € 221,86) and € 2424,28 (SD € 223,35) . Noteworthy, the difference between the most
wealthy incomes (P95) versus the least (P5) was € 713,79 net per month. Only minimal effect of
seniority could be found. The average extra salary for all earnings besides the standard income (e.g.
on on-call duties, overtime, transportation expenses,...) was € 305,87 per month, an additional income
of barely 15%. The average net income per hour (€ 9,32) only just exceeds the nationally fixed
minimum wage, undervaluing the trainee’s past education, medical degree, experience and
responsibility. Fringe benefits were infrequently provided. Besides 63% in the possibility of receiving a
bike fee, 51% a hospitalization insurance and 45% an insurance concerning civil liability, other benefits
were provided in less than a quarter of respondents with no-one receiving meal vouchers, 2% a
vacation salary and 8% an end-year bonus.
Conclusion
The trainee in pediatrics in Flanders is being paid disproportionately and unfairly for his extensive and
stressful professional activities. The roots for this inequity can be traced back to the outdated sui
generis statute, an inadequate legal framework and a weak and non-vacant position of the resident on
the labour market. There is a relevant heterogeneity in gross and net income and fringe benefits are
unevenly provided. Moreover, it is striking that the individual trainee is not well informed about his or
her employment conditions and transparency is lacking.
Book: BELGIAN JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS
Volume: 23
Number of pages: 1