Health Check

Are outcomes better with female surgeons?

Jan 10, 2024

Researchers from the University of Toronto discuss a study showing lower postoperative complications and costs for patients treated by female surgeons. The podcast also covers the risks of hydroxychloroquine, the impact of Sesame Street on the health of Syrian refugee children, and the connection between hearing loss and dementia risk.

26:27

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Quick takeaways

Patients treated by female surgeons have lower rates of postoperative complications and death, suggesting that female surgeons may adhere more closely to guidelines and engage in patient-centered communication.

The use of hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for COVID-19 has been associated with increased mortality rates and cardiac deaths, highlighting the need for cautious evaluation of potential treatments.

Deep dives

Female surgeons associated with better patient outcomes

New research from Canada suggests that patients treated by female surgeons experience lower risks of complications and death, with lower post-operative costs in the year following surgery. Although these findings are based on averages and exceptional surgeons exist in both genders, the study indicates that female surgeons may practice differently, adhering to guidelines more closely and displaying patient-centered communication.

Introduction

3min

Behavioral Differences and Outcomes with Female Surgeons

8min

The Dangers of Hydroxychloroquine

4min

Investing in Early Childhood Development for Children Affected by Conflict in the Middle East

3min

Empowering Children through Akhlan Simpson Program

4min

Hearing Loss and Dementia Risk

5min

A recent study from Canada has found that patients treated by female surgeons have a lower likelihood of adverse postoperative outcomes (death, hospital readmission or major complications) at 90 days and one year following surgery. The same research team also found in another recent study that there are lower 30-day, 90-day and 1-year post-surgery health care costs for patients treated by female surgeons compared with those treated by male surgeons. Claudia Hammond discusses these findings with two of the researchers from the University of Toronto, Dr. Chris Wallis and Dr. Angela Jerath.

Claudia is joined by medical journalist Clare Wilson from New Scientist to discuss deaths related to hydroxychloroquine, which was prescribed in hospitalised patients with Covid-19 in many countries despite of the low-level evidence.

We also hear how the re-imagining of cult American TV series, Sesame Street, can improve the health of Syrian children living as refugees in Jordan.

Claudia and Clare also discuss a study which suggests that hearing aids may prevent or delay the onset and progression of dementia, and another study into how ancient DNA reveals the reasons for high multiple sclerosis rates in Europe.

Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Jonathan Blackwell Editor: Holly Squire

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Health Check

Are outcomes better with female surgeons?

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Female surgeons associated with better patient outcomes

Hydroxychloroquine found to be ineffective for COVID-19 treatment

Impact of Sesame Street Arabic version on Syrian refugee children

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts