For better patient care,
support internal equity

When healthcare workers are respected and compensated fairly, they can devote themselves entirely to what truly matters—providing exceptional care to every patient. UC Davis Health’s numerous accolades in pediatrics, primary care, and specialized treatments are proof of our dedication to maintaining high standards. Yet, these achievements hinge upon a workforce that feels valued and supported.

• Fair wages and respect: Long-term employees are paid less than new hires due to the absence of regular internal equity reviews, leading to frustration and diminished morale. By implementing transparent pay-step systems and conducting thorough, routine equity assessments, UC Davis can ensure that experienced staff receive wages that reflect their expertise and years of service.

• Improved patient outcomes: A workforce that does not struggle with pay inequities can redirect its collective focus to innovative treatments, patient education, and overall quality of care. Fair compensation minimizes turnover, supports continuity in patient-care relationships, and enables staff to invest in continuous professional development—key factors in maintaining UC Davis’s high clinical and research standards.

• Gender justice and equity: UC Davis Health, as a public institution, is responsible for leading by example in addressing potential gender pay gaps. Fair compensation structures not only foster a sense of equity and promote diversity and inclusion across the workforce—ultimately benefitting patient care through diverse perspectives and specialized expertise.

By ensuring fair and transparent pay practices, UC Davis Health can continue to excel in patient outcomes, uphold its reputation as a top hospital, and maintain a consistent level of care for every individual who walks through its doors.

UC Davis Medical Center has made its mark by excelling in specialized fields such as pediatrics and neurology clinical practice. These life-saving services rely on the presence of highly skilled professionals who can address complex medical challenges with empathy and expertise.

• Competitive, equitable pay: Pediatric specialists, burn specialists, rehabilitation therapists, and more specialists are in high demand across the country. If compensation is not aligned with market rates and does not reflect years of service or specialty training, UC Davis risks losing these professionals to institutions that are willing to pay them competitively.  

• Continuity of care: Retaining experts is more than a staffing issue; it is a patient safety and quality issue. Patients with chronic or life-threatening conditions need consistent treatment plans and long-term, trusted relationships with their medical teams. High turnover due to inequitable pay disrupts these relationships, undermining both patient trust and treatment outcomes.

• Innovation and research: As a leading research institution, UC Davis Health must attract and retain world-class talent to drive medical innovations in more than 150 areas of healthcare. Equitable pay lays the foundation for stable teams that can push the boundaries of clinical research, contribute to medical breakthroughs, and provide high-quality patient care informed by the latest scientific findings.

Simply put, investing in equitable compensation is critical for recruiting and keeping the kind of specialists whose expertise often makes the difference between life and death. By acknowledging the market realities and committing to fairness, UC Davis Health can continue to lead in pioneering treatments and unrivaled patient care.

UC Davis Medical Center is more than just another hospital—it is the primary safety net for lower-income communities and serves as the only Level I trauma center north of San Francisco for adults and children. As both a community healthcare provider and a regional trauma hub, this dual role highlights the vitality of equitably compensating the workforce.

• Crucial safety-net services: Many patients at UC Davis rely on the California Medical Assistance Program (Medi-Cal) or lack comprehensive insurance options, making equitable and accessible care a cornerstone of the hospital’s mission. Ensuring fair wages for the healthcare workforce directly supports the continuity and quality of essential services for these vulnerable populations.

• Team stability in high-stress environments: Trauma and emergency care settings demand seamless collaboration and rapid response. High turnover due to unfair compensation can lead to understaffed units or inexperienced teams, putting patient outcomes at risk, especially when every second counts in trauma cases.

• Social responsibility: As a public institution and major employer in the region, UC Davis is responsible for upholding principles of equity and transparency. Fair compensation practices that reflect the critical role every staff member plays in advancing public health and cutting-edge medicine reinforce public trust in the institution’s social mission.

By maintaining fair and transparent compensation structures, UC Davis Health not only honors the dedicated professionals who serve in life-or-death situations every day but also reinforces its core mission: providing high-quality healthcare and acting as a lifeline for the most vulnerable in our communities.