Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT474

Background: There are a few studies available on patient preferences regarding physician gender. Evidence suggests that overall, both male and female patients prefer physicians of their own gender. Specific research focusing on endocrinologists is not available. This is important, since Endocrinology is predicted to become the most female-predominant subspecialty of internal medicine.

Aim: To assess whether patients have a gender preference when choosing an endocrinologist.

Methods: A survey was conducted among patients at a single endocrinology clinic. A total of 651 subjects (137 men, 514 women) had booked appointments for a consultation with endocrinologists (two women and two men) over 6 working weeks. The primary outcome was the percentage of men or women patients preferring a male or female endocrinologist. Statistical analysis was done with the Chi square test, assuming theoretical ratios of endocrine disease of 1:1 to 5:1 for women to men.

Results: According to theoretical patient ratios ranging from 1:1 to 1:5 (men to women), 12% to 34% more male patients prefer male endocrinologists compared to those who seek female endocrinologists. Conversely, 7% to 12% fewer female patients choose female endocrinologists compared to those who opt for male endocrinologists, based on a theoretical patient ratio of 1:5 to 1:1. Overall, male patients exhibit a significantly stronger preference for male endocrinologists (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Medical literature indicates that both male and female patients generally prefer physicians of their own gender, a trend also observed in our Endocrinology study. Endocrinology is expected to become the most female-dominated specialty. Understanding these gender preferences is key to optimizing patient satisfaction, particularly in sensitive areas such as reproductive health and sexual development. However, addressing physician gender bias is essential and requires a cultural shift. Achieving gender equity in the medical profession will improve physician well-being, enhance retention of women physicians, and ultimately improve access to and quality of care.