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Female physicians linked to lower patient mortality in new study

📅 Published: 2 Nov 2026, 07:41 am IST• 🔄 Updated: 2 Nov 2026, 07:41 am IST• 4 min read• 1 views
Female physicians linked to lower patient mortality in new study
Dr. Angela Jerath discusses the impact of physician sex on outcomes.
Key Points
  • Patients treated by female physicians had a 12.3% mortality rate.
  • Male physicians saw a 13.7% mortality rate among their patients.
  • Researchers analyzed 958,150 hospital admissions in Ontario, Canada.
  • Treatment by female physicians was linked to 12% lower adjusted odds of death.
  • Better outcomes may stem from differences in communication and clinical practice.

A study published in the journal JAMA Network Open found that hospitalised patients treated by female physicians had a 12.3% mortality rate within 30 days, while those treated by male physicians had a 13.7% mortality rate.

In Iran, self-immolation accounts for approximately 16% of burn hospitalizations, with a mortality rate of 62% for victims.

Hamid Salehi stated that acid attacks are significant due to the severity of physical injuries, permanent disfigurement, and psychological consequences.

The Shargh newspaper reported on September 23 in an investigation titled "Unfinished Wounds" that survivors of acid attacks and their families struggle with long-term financial and psychological consequences.

Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party emerged as the largest in parliament following the October 27 election, though it failed to secure a clear majority. Netanyahu declared that Israel has a historic opportunity to remove the existential threat from Iran and has previously directed attacks on the country in 2025 and 2026. Political analyst Benjamin Basire reported that some Iranians are expressing hope that Netanyahu remains in power, with some referring to him as "our savior". Netanyahu has promised to "finish the job" in Iran, prompting debate over whether this entails weakening military capabilities or pursuing regime change.

On Friday evening, Iranian security forces, including Basij members and plainclothes officers, dispersed a Halloween gathering on Iranshahr Street in Tehran, beating and detaining attendees and forcing local cafes to close.

The study focused on estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, where patients are commonly treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors alongside hormone therapy. In an analysis of more than 400 breast cancer biopsy samples, researchers observed that CDK1 activity rises as the cancer becomes more aggressive, with higher activity levels associated with worse outcomes. These findings, published in the journal Advanced Science, suggest that CDK1 could be a target for new drugs and that the results should be tested in larger patient groups.

Researchers analyzed 958,150 hospital records in Ontario

The study examined patient outcomes across seven common medical conditions. These conditions included heart attacks and pneumonia.

Mortality trends observed at 30-day, 90-day, and one-year intervals

Patients treated by female physicians also saw lower mortality rates at 90-day and one-year follow-up periods.

Female patients treated by female physicians show best outcomes

Analyst Feferman noted that the remaining two years of the Trump presidency represent a window for potential military action, adding that a future Democrat president would be less likely to support such strikes.

Dr. Angela Jerath emphasizes broadening evidence beyond surgical care

Jerath noted that because patients admitted for medical conditions are assigned physicians based on rotating schedules, the study helps minimize referral bias.

Winston warned that Israel is "preparing for war," noting that the upcoming US midterm elections could serve as a turning point for the conflict.

Clinical practice and communication cited as potential factors

Researchers suggest that better outcomes for patients treated by female physicians may be linked to differences in clinical practice and communication.

These practices include spending more time with patients, following clinical guidelines, and involving colleagues in decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference in mortality rates between female and male physicians?
Patients treated by female physicians had a 12.3% mortality rate, while those treated by male physicians had a 13.7% mortality rate.
Why might patients treated by female physicians have better outcomes?
Researchers suggest better outcomes may be linked to differences in clinical practice and communication, such as spending more time with patients and involving colleagues in decision-making.
How this story was made: written with AI assistance from the published reports and data linked below, then checked by automated filters that compare its facts against those sources. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it. Our editorial policy.

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HealthMedical ResearchJAMA Network OpenPatient CarePhysician SexMortality RatesHospital Care
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