Male Patients Don't See You as Empathetic Enough: Frustrations of a Female Doctor

Abstract

"The conclusion of the study was even if male and female doctors were scripted to have the exact same empathic communication, there was a difference in satisfaction between the male and female doctor . . . the study basically shows how gender can really make a difference on patient perceptions.”
“The stereotypes of males have always been that they are factual and goal-directed,while women are supposed to be more supportive and considerate,” Tori voiced. “Could it be possible that patients are more satisfied with their male doctors because when the male doctors show empathy—and it is outside the gendered stereotypes of being male—it makes it seem like they are doing a better job?” Courtney interjected, “That’s an interesting point . . . ”
“So, it sounds like even though we have worked so hard to get to this place in the medical field it’s still ruled by men,” Carole concluded. “Yeah, I agree,” echoed Shelcie. “Patients think that if we show empathy, that it is just because we are women—not because we are doing our job.