Patients of female surgeons suffer fewer complications, a new study finds

Researchers have found a link between the gender of the surgeon and the outcome for the patient. In the first 3 months after surgery, 13.9% of patients treated by male surgeons experienced complications, compared with 12.5% for patients of female surgeons. These adverse outcomes ranged from a heart attack or stroke to death. Scientists say we should treat the results carefully but evidence suggests female surgeons are more likely to use patient-centred decision-making, select patients more carefully for surgery and are more willing to collaborate.