THREE KEY FACTS A new study of more than 700,000 patients found those with a female doctor were less likely to die or be readmitted to hospital within 30 days. Women have a higher risk of mortality and poor outcomes if their surgeon is male. After a patient’s death, referrals to male surgeons increase while female surgeons receive fewer and for less complex procedures.
Joanna Wane is an award-winning senior feature writer with a special interest in social issues and the arts. OPINION The latest international research showing better survival rates and a lower chance of readmission for hospital patients under the care of a female doctor comes as no surprise to Kiwi surgeon Ineke Meredith..