Female physicians linked to lower patient death and readmission rates, ICES study finds

A study by ICES and University of Toronto researchers published in JAMA Network Open in October 2026 shows that hospitalized adults treated by female physicians experience lower 30-day mortality (12.3% vs 13.7%) and lower readmission rates (18.6% vs 18.9%) than those treated by male physicians. Analyzing 958,150 patient records from 2008 to 2022, researchers attribute the difference to more patient-centred communication, longer visits, and better adherence to treatment guidelines among female doctors.

Patient mortality and readmission rates

• ▪The ICES study showed that greater exposure to female physician care during hospitalization was associated with a 7% reduction in 30-day mortality, with benefits persisting at 90 days and one year.
• ▪An ICES study published in JAMA Network Open in October 2026 found that hospitalized patients treated by female physicians had a 30-day mortality rate of 12.3% compared to 13.7% for those treated by male physicians.
• ▪The ICES study analyzing 958,150 Ontario adult hospitalizations from 2008 to 2022 found that patients treated by female physicians had a hospital readmission rate of 18.6% compared to 18.9% for male physicians.

Practice differences and care objectives

• ▪Dr. Angela Jerath stated that the primary objective of studying clinical practice differences by physician sex is to identify beneficial behaviours that enrich patient care across the entire health system.
• ▪ICES study lead author Dr. Angela Jerath noted that female physicians may achieve better outcomes by engaging in patient-centred communication, spending more time, consulting colleagues, sharing decision-making, and ordering treatments following established clinical guidelines.

Physician gender pay gap

• ▪ICES study co-author Dr. Christopher Wallis stated that physician pay gaps should not be attributed to female doctors taking on additional home duties and working fewer professional hours.
• ▪Dr. Angela Jerath noted that female physicians face persistent career earnings gaps compared to male counterparts even when accounting for hours worked, patients seen, and surgical procedures performed.

Study methodology and context

• ▪The ICES study examined 958,150 Ontario adult hospitalizations for seven common diagnoses between 2008 and 2022, comprising 259,759 patients treated by female physicians and 698,391 treated by male physicians.
• ▪Dr. Angela Jerath noted that medical hospital admissions rely on rotating schedules rather than patient preference, which minimizes referral bias compared to surgical care studies.
• ▪Dr. Angela Jerath noted that past research on physician sex and patient outcomes focused largely on surgical patients and admitting physicians only.