Medicine

Female Physicians May Provide Better Care Than Their Male Counterparts

A study found elderly patients treated by women had lower mortality rates than those treated by men.

Female Physicians May Provide Better Care Than Their Male Counterparts
Ilmicrofono Oggiono / CC BY 2.0
SMS

 Female doctors might be saving more lives than their male counterparts.

But they get paid about 8 percent less.

SEE MORE: Millions Of US Kids Aren't Seeing A Doctor Regularly

Harvard researchers estimated 32,000 fewer Medicare patients would die each year if male doctors could achieve the same outcomes as female doctors.

The study compared more than a million hospital visits of elderly Medicare patients. 

It showed patients treated by women had lower mortality rates and a lower risk of being readmitted to the hospital within 30 days. 

So what explains this disparity in care? 

SEE MORE: Your Doctor's Political Views Could Affect Medical Advice

According to the researchers, "Female physicians are more likely to practice evidence-based medicine, perform as well or better on standardized examinations and provide more patient-centered care."

Do you think female physicians deserve equal pay? Let us know on any of our social platforms.