Background: The objective of this study was to explore physician and practice characteristics according to sex.
Method: All graduates of a southeastern state's family practice residency programs were surveyed.
Results: Seven hundred fourteen (53.5%; 79.7% men, 20.3% women) surveys were returned and analyzed. Practice arrangements and practice settings did not differ significantly between the two study groups. Male graduates saw a significantly higher percentage of geriatric patients (28.9% versus 24.7%; P = 0.008) and made significantly more nursing home visits (50.6% versus 35.5%; P = 0.002) and home visits (49.0% versus 33.8%; P = 0.001) than female graduates. With the exception of skin biopsies, a greater percentage of male physicians performed procedures than female physicians. Female graduates and male graduates had the same initial salary but had a significantly different current salary range. No significant differences were seen in personal or career satisfaction.
Conclusion: Practice patterns of male and female physicians were generally similar. However, significant differences were noted in geriatric care, procedures, and salary.