Retrospective studies reveal a significant gender disparity in healthcare outcomes, particularly highlighting that female patients tend to benefit more from treatment by female doctors. Evidence suggests that older patients overall experience lower mortality rates when treated by a female physician, but this effect is markedly enhanced for female patients. Despite the importance of these findings, conducting randomized control trials (RCTs) to further investigate this gender dynamic presents logistical challenges, particularly in recruiting patients willing to accept surgeons of different genders.
As Democrats convene in Chicago, polls suggest Kamala Harris is ahead by a whisker in the US presidential race. Can the party sustain the momentum? In hospital, your recovery may depend not just on diagnostic technology or the drugs you take, but whether your doctor is a woman (10:11). And new research into elephant communication suggests the creatures may have something akin to names (16:34).
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+
For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.