A Henry County woman is suing Jefferson County Health Center (JCHC), alleging she was paid significantly less than a male colleague while working as a surgeon there.
Dr. Beth Zielinski, who served as a general surgeon for JCHC from 2013 to 2024, filed her lawsuit July 24 in Iowa District Court for Jefferson County. She claims she was paid $105,000 less per year than another surgeon, Dr. Scott Stoeger, despite performing the same work. The suit also alleges that Stoeger received additional bonuses and benefits she was not offered.
According to documents provided to the court, attorneys for JCHC, they admit the pay difference but argue that the surgeons did not perform identical duties, citing Stoeger’s “additional skillsets” and production levels as justification. The hospital also acknowledged paying Stoeger a signing bonus, retention bonuses, and student loan assistance that Zielinski did not receive.
Zielinski further contends that her replacement, Dr. Edward Ortell, was hired at a higher base rate than she earned. She accuses JCHC of violating Iowa and federal laws prohibiting wage and sex discrimination. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial, damages, and legal costs.
The case is ongoing.