Male adolescents may prefer to see female doctors

We often assume that adolescents would prefer to be examined by a doctor of the same gender. But a study in Kansas City suggests the opposite (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2000;154:49-53). The authors questioned 67 male adolescents attending a hospital clinic, a response rate of 83%. Of those who expressed a preference, most wished to see a female physician for both general and genital examination. Preference for a woman was greater in African American respondents, almost two thirds of whom has been raised by a single female parent, relative, or guardian.