05-05-2026IMPACT COUNCIL

How financial independence can grow the care economy

How access to capital and resources empowers women to establish private practices and bypass systemic healthcare hurdles.

[Photo: Getty Images]

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of top leaders and experts who pay dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership, and more.

BY Marianne Markowitz

At First Women’s Bank, we’ve spent a lot of time analyzing the care economy. What we have observed is that the healthcare sector has emerged as more than just a category; it is a cornerstone of the modern, mission-based women’s economy.

We see the immense value women physicians contribute to their communities, while also recognizing the challenges that can come with traditional employment models. While studies estimate female physicians earn $2 million less than male physicians throughout their respective careers, we consider both the social impact of this gap and where economic improvement is possible.

The surge of women starting their own practices........

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