How physician gender shapes the communication and evaluation of medical care.

Address reprint requests and correspondence to Debra L. Roter, DrPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 (e-mail: [email protected]). In February 2001, the New York Times published a story describing the plight of a male obstetrician fired from his practice ostensibly because of his inability to compete with his female colleagues in attracting patients. The physician sued the practice for sex bias, raising questions regarding the right of the practice to accommodate female patients who request female doctors at the expense of equally qualified male doctors. Indeed, female physician gender is increasingly used as a marketing ploy to attract female patients in competitive markets. The purpose of this editorial is to discuss the extent to which physician gender affects patient preferences and expectations for medical care, the communication dynamics of care delivery, and patient satisfaction with care.