Original Article

Racial Bias in Patient Selection of an Obstetrician

Authors: Karen M. Schneider, MD, Michelle N. Strecker, MS, Pamela A. Promecene, MD, Manju Monga, MD

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine racial bias in patient selection of an obstetrician.


Methods: Obstetrical patients referred for genetic counseling at a community hospital were included. Self-reported patient race/ethnicity were compared with obstetrician's race/ethnicity.


Results: The patient population (n = 1,519) was 27.8% white, 25% Hispanic, 22.5% black, 20.5% Asian, and 4.3% other. Physician race/ethnicity was 47.8% white, 28.8% Asian, 14.4% Hispanic, and 9% black. Patient race/ethnicity and physician race/ethnicity were correlated (contingency coefficient = 0.54, P < 0.001). White and Asian patients were more likely to select obstetricians of their own racial background (72.7% and 66.6%) than were Hispanic or black patients (36% and 24.6%, P < 0.001). Patients of all races were more likely to be under the care of a physician of their own race than of a different race.


Conclusions: In an urban community with a racially diverse population, there is a strong racial bias in patient selection of an obstetrician.


Key Points


* A significant correlation between patient race/ethnicity and physician race/ethnicity was found.


* White and Asian patients were more likely to be under the care of physicians of their own race compared with Hispanic and black patients.


* Overall, patients of all races were significantly more likely to be under the care of a physician of their own race than a different race/ethnicity.

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