Women's History Month | 3 Reasons To Have A Female Physician
When choosing a physician, does gender make a difference? Studies suggest that patients—regardless of gender—tend to have better health outcomes under the care of female doctors. However, the gender of both the doctor and the patient can shape their interactions and overall results.
Research also indicates that female doctors excel in professionalism and compassion, potentially enhancing patient satisfaction and care quality. During Women’s History Month, Bowie Internal Medicine is highlighting three benefits of having female doctors in Bowie.
Patient Preferences in Doctor Selection
A 2018 survey found:
51% of people had no gender preference.
Among female patients, 46% preferred a female doctor, while 44% had no preference.
Among male patients, 23% preferred a male doctor, while 58% had no preference.
So, does seeing a female doctor lead to better outcomes? And how do male and female physicians differ in their approach to care? Let’s explore the answers.
Why Your Doctor’s Gender May Matter
Trust and confidence are key components of a strong doctor-patient relationship. Your primary care physician should be someone you feel comfortable discussing personal health concerns with. If you prefer a doctor of the same gender, that’s completely valid—your comfort directly affects the quality of care you receive.
3 Reasons to Choose a Female Primary Care Physician
1. Different Approaches to Patient Care
Male and female doctors tend to practice medicine differently. Research shows that female physicians:
Are more likely to follow evidence-based guidelines.
Provide more preventive care and mental health support.
Spend more time listening to patients and discussing their concerns.
A study analyzing 24.4 million primary care visits found that female doctors spend an average of 15.7 more minutes per patient than their male counterparts. Additionally, female doctors are more cautious with prescriptions, perform thorough evaluations, and seek peer consultations more frequently.
2. Greater Emphasis on Patient Connection
Female doctors often adopt a more patient-centered communication style, leading to better doctor-patient relationships. Studies suggest that female physicians:
Show higher levels of empathy.
Engage in more frequent, meaningful conversations with patients.
Provide stronger nonverbal cues that enhance comfort and trust.
This personalized approach encourages patients to be more open about their health concerns, improving treatment effectiveness and patient satisfaction.
3. Better Patient Outcomes
Research suggests that patients, particularly women, may experience better health outcomes under the care of female physicians.
A JAMA Surgery study of 1.3 million patients found that female patients treated by female surgeons had a 32% lower risk of death and a 16% lower risk of complications compared to those treated by male surgeons. Interestingly, male patients also fared better under female surgeons.
Another study analyzing 580,000 heart attack cases in Florida emergency rooms over 20 years revealed that mortality rates were lower when patients were treated by female physicians—regardless of gender.
While physician skill and experience matter more than gender alone, studies suggest that female doctors tend to offer longer consultations, more empathetic care, and, in some cases, better patient outcomes. Ultimately, choosing the right doctor comes down to personal comfort and trust—regardless of their gender.
Female Doctors in Bowie
Bowie Internal Medicine is committed to treating any conditions you may have, as well as preventing further health complications through preventative care. For more information about managing your healthy diet, please contact your office to schedule an appointment or ask any questions.