Do you ever notice how women typically tend to have a more positive outlook on life than men do? Well, a new study spilled biological affirmation that optimism and pessimism may be hardwired into our brains. This study focused on females due to the fact that women are twice as likely as men to inhibit anxiety-related issues. The 71 females surveyed were shown graphic images and then asked to “put a positive spin on the scenario” while their brain activity was recorded. The results proved researcher’s predictions to be true and recorded that positive thinkers had much less brain activity than the readings of the worriers.
Merritt Hawkins also sparked interest in finding out whether women or men were more optimistic in regards to physicians. Not so shockingly the results proved that female physicians tend to be more optimistic in all categories under the study.
The study conducted by Merritt Hawkins surveyed 13,750 physicians across the nation in response to The Physicians Foundation and their previous suggested that pointed out there are some differences in attitudes and opinions among female and male physicians.
Results of the survey conducted show:
- 35.5% of female physicians rate their morale as positive, compared to 31.0% of male physicians.
- 26.2% of female physicians say health reform will improve care, compared to 21.5% of male physicians.
- 45.8% of female physicians are optimistic about the future of healthcare (profession), while 40.5% of male physicians feel the same way.
- 24.7% of female physicians say electronic medical records will also improve the quality of care, whereas only 16.2% of male physicians agree.
- 42.6% of female physicians are positive about the medical profession, compared to 33.8% of male physicians.
- 58.8% of female physicians support a single payer system, whereas just 47.4% of male physicians comply.
What does this mean for the industry?
The topics explored by Merritt Hawkins during their survey may not have a big enough impact on the healthcare industry in order to make any noticeable changes just yet. However, an increased positive outlook in female physicians may impact patients.
As a patient, you don’t want a Debbie-Downer as a doctor. Another study, conducted by the University of Montreal, showed that there might, in fact, be differences in the care provided among female and male physicians.
The study suggests that female physicians are more likely to follow evidence-based practices. They also score higher in areas such as care and quality because they tend to show greater empathy and more interest in listening to their patients.
Female physicians nurturing nature may just be a result of cultural differences while growing up. Girls tend to serve as confidantes to their friends, from a very young age, which may result in their ability to listen to what exactly their patient wants and proceed from there.
Now, don’t think that male physicians are incapable of feeling empathy and listening or that all female physicians take up these practices. Male doctors are more than capable of being sensitive and providing the emotional support a patient may need.
The most important component of a patient-doctor-relationship (just like any other) is trust. As a physician, you should be able to trust that your patient will follow your instructions and vice versa. Whether you are male or female, the best care you can provide stems from being able to be trusted and making your patients comfortable. Keeping a positive outlook will only help you succeed!
