Gender differences in gynecologist communication

The intimate nature of gynecological health problems requires the physician 's specific attention. On the basis of previous findings in primary care, f emale gynecologists are expected to communicate more affectively than men. This study addressed gender differences in gynecologist communication behav ior by comparing videotapes of real-life outpatient encounters with female (N = 107) and male (N = 196) gynecologists by means of bivariate and multil evel analysis. Only a few gender differences were found: female gynecologis ts performed longer physical examinations, showed more global attentiveness , and asked fewer medical questions. Either the duration of the medical edu cation or the type of statistical analysis may account for this lack of gen der differences.