While they are paid significantly less than their male counterparts, female physicians may be superior.

According to new research published in JAMA Internal Medicine, an estimated 32,000 fewer Medicare patients alone would die each year if male physicians were as adept as female physicians.

Researchers from Harvard University reviewed the records of 1,583,028 hospital visits among Medicare patients. Within 30 days of arriving at the hospital, rates of death and re-admission were significantly lower when the patient’s doctor was female.

The differentiation is attributed to female physicians’ tendency to provide preventative care and psychological counseling. Female doctors are also more likely to adhere to clinical guidelines.

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