Research highlights significant differences in patient outcomes based on the gender of the physician, with female doctors showing a slight edge in patient survival and readmission rates

A groundbreaking study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has revealed that hospital patients treated by female doctors are less likely to die or be readmitted compared to those cared for by male doctors. This research, published in the journal *Annals of Internal Medicine*, provides new insights into how gender dynamics in medical practice might influence patient outcomes.

The study analyzed Medicare claims data spanning from 2016 to 2019, involving over 458,000 female patients and more than 319,000 male patients. The findings indicated a slightly lower mortality rate for patients treated by female physicians—8.15% for female patients and 10.15% for male patients—compared to those treated by male physicians, who had mortality rates of 8.38% and 10.23%, respectively. Similar patterns were observed in hospital readmission rates.

Professor Yusuke Tsugawa, the senior author of the study and a faculty member at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, suggested that the differences in patient outcomes could be attributed to the distinct approaches in how male and female physicians practice medicine. “If male and female doctors practised in the same way, we would likely see no difference in patient outcomes,” Tsugawa stated.

Researchers speculate that several factors might contribute to these disparities. Previous studies have indicated that male doctors often underestimate the severity of symptoms and pain in female patients, possibly leading to delays in treatment or inadequate care. In contrast, female physicians might communicate more effectively with their patients, particularly women, thereby enhancing the quality of diagnostics and treatment adherence.

The study also highlighted the importance of patient comfort, especially among female patients who might prefer discussing sensitive health issues or undergoing examinations with female doctors. This comfort could lead to more thorough communication and disclosure of critical health information, which is essential for accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.

The findings have prompted calls for further research to explore the underlying mechanisms that influence how physician gender affects patient outcomes. Understanding these factors could lead to targeted interventions aimed at improving medical training and patient care practices across the board.

Professor Tsugawa emphasized the broader implications of the study, noting, “Female physicians provide high-quality care, and increasing their representation in the medical field could have beneficial societal impacts.” This statement underscores the need for a diverse healthcare workforce that can address varied patient needs and improve health outcomes for all segments of the population