Morning Medical Update: Gender pay gap among physicians narrows; Primary care misconceptions; What doctors wish patients knew about norovirus

Gender pay gap among physicians narrows

The gender pay gap in physicians has narrowed for the first time in five years. The most significant changes were seen in primary care. In 2022, female physicians earned $239,000 and male physicians earned $286,000.

Primary Care Provider misconceptions

Nearly a third of all Americans do not have a primary care physician. When asked why, some of the most popular reasons people gave were: I’m not sick, so why bother? I don’t have time to go, and I can’t afford it. Primary care is an essential way to catch and prevent serious illnesses.

What doctors wish patients knew about the contagious norovirus

Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from acute gastroenteritis. It causes 21 million cases annually. Seventy percent of cases can be traced back to food workers. It’s most common November thru April but can strike at any time of year. If you catch it, antibiotics won’t do anything because it is a virus. If you catch it, your best bet is to wait it out and drink lots of fluids. Most cases only last 24-72 hours.