Lessons From the Front Line of Fighting Gender Inequity

Abstract

Ideas and OpinionsFebruary 2023Lessons From the Front Line of Fighting Gender InequityLuci K. Leykum, MD, MBA, MScLuci K. Leykum, MD, MBA, MScSouth Texas Veterans Health Care System, Harbor Health Team, and Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas (L.K.L.)Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/M22-3213 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail In 2019, I filed a federal lawsuit against my then employer alleging both a violation of the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and its retaliation in response to my speaking up about my salary. The actions that led to the lawsuit began in 2016. I sought legal counsel soon thereafter but was reluctant to take formal action. My lawyers warned me that I could be isolated within my institution, and that efforts would likely be made to negatively portray me. Legal action might drag on for years, greatly favoring the institution with its deep pockets and expertise. Future potential employers ...