Patched Up!: Why Women Prefer Female Doctors

By Elizabeth Handy, BSN, MBA, CMPE

The question, why do women prefer female doctors, is beign raised more often as public interest in personal health and awareness of community health continues to grow.

In fact, a study released in 2010 by the Department for Professional Employees (AFL-CIO) revealed that 92 percent of all registered nurses are women, and the so-called fairer sex makes up 32.2 percent of all doctors and surgeons. While 32 percent may seem like a small number, it is sure to increase in the years ahead, especially now that females are making up almost half of each entering medical school class.

Discussions on the age of equality and higher education aside, there are several reasons why females prefer to trust a person of their own sex with their health.

In general, women are often perceived as better listeners. When needing to vent or think something through, most women will turn to their female companions for a steady and focused ear rather than calling up their partner, male relatives or male friends. This could be true with healthcare, as well. When women have a health concern or issue, they may believe a female doctor will listen closer to what they have to say.

And, female doctors may be able to better relate to the concern since they have the same body parts. While medical teachings and degrees are based on science and studies, there’s an innate connection between women simply because they have the same equipment. Some women believe a male doctor may not be able to understand the degree of their concern or pain because they aren’t able to experience it themselves.

What it all should come down to is how comfortable a patient is with the doctor – male or female. Studies show that patients who are comfortable speaking with and being honest about their concerns may stay healthier. If a female patient is actively engaging with her doctor, the quality of care and attention she receives will often impact the outcome.

So how does a female patient find the right doctor for herself? She’ll need to ask herself if she can really share the details of what concerns her, and if she feels comfortable sharing them candidly with her doctor, regardless of gender. And if she chooses a female doctor instead, the patient should still think about the relationship and if they are getting the right amount of attention and engagement from the doctor. Treating illnesses and health concerns is obviously based on science and medicine, but it’s also about relationships and comfort, too –that secure peace of mind is important, and that can help you patch up faster.