Provider gender preference in obstetrics and gynecology: A military population

Objective: This study evaluates patient reasons and preferences for gender selection of their obstetrician-gynecologist. Methods: A written survey was given to patients attending a military obstetrics and gynecology clinic (N = 203). Mean age was 36 years, with 69% of patients between 20 and 40 years. Caucasian (52%) and African American (34%) were the most common races. Results: Overall, 52% of patients preferred a female practitioner, 4% preferred males, and gender did not matter for 44%. Experience and reputation were the most important factors in 93% of all patient provider selections. Only 10% of patients felt that gender was the most important factor, and 35% ranked gender as one of the top two factors. Conclusion: Although a majority of our study population preferred female obstetrician-gynecologist providers, experience and reputation were more frequently cited than gender as the most important factors in selecting a provider. Patients felt that female physicians understand their problems better.