In relation to women in health professions, the statistics mirror the general population in regard to the glass ceiling. Women comprise approximately 20 percent of executives at Fortune 500 health care companies and of hospital CEOs. The reality is that women outnumber men three to one in the health care industry but are disproportionately misrepresented at the top. In 2021, eighty-seven percent of registered nurses were women and 38 percent of physicians and surgeons were women, but there remain societal stereotypes and cultural barriers that impede the progress of women in health care (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021). Despite the health care workforce being predominantly women in many occupations, the wage gap between male and female health care workers is similar to the national standards. Progress is being made to overcome the glass ceiling, but it is a slow process due to the social structures that embrace a history of male dominance.

Despite the health care workforce being predominantly women in many occupations, the wage gap between male and female health care workers is similar to the national standards as well. Gender bias is deeply institutionalized in the U.S. and is evident in the percent of female executives and CEO’s and the wage gap among health care workers. In regard to the glass ceiling, progress is being made but it is a slow process due to the social structures that embrace a history of male dominance.