Gender concordance between family practice residents and diagnoses in an ambulatory setting.

BACKGROUND

Female physicians are more likely than male physicians to treat female patients. This study extends the scope of previous studies by scrutinizing gender concordance with specific diagnoses.

METHODS

A total of 90,407 physician-patient encounters handled by 90 family practice residents from 1984-1993 in an ambulatory care setting were analyzed. In addition to genitourinary problems, the analysis included the 20 most frequently recorded diagnoses.

RESULTS

Patients' encounters with residents differed between male and female residents. Female residents handled more encounters (P < .001) for vaginitis, prenatal care, menstrual disorders, menopausal symptoms, cervicitis, abnormal Pap smear, breast disease, breast lump, and general medical exam (female patient). Female residents handled a greater percentage (P < .001) of female patients within the 20 most frequent diagnoses. There was little difference with male patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Gender concordance is suggested between male and female patients with specific diagnoses and their physicians. Educators must balance patient preferences and satisfaction with adequate exposure to the gamut of medical problems.