Female doctors in Ontario spend more time with patients, study finds

A survey of 1,055 family physicians in Ontario found female family doctors spend about 15–20% more time per patient—nearly four minutes longer per appointment—than male colleagues, and study authors say this contributes to extra work and a pay gap.

A new quantitative study released by the Ontario Medical Association and conducted by McMaster University found that female family physicians in Ontario spend 15 to 20 per cent more time with patients than male colleagues while receiving similar pay. The survey included 1,055 family physicians and analyzed 20 commonly billed services. Authors reported female physicians spend nearly four minutes longer per appointment on average and said that equates to roughly two extra hours of work per day to match a male counterpart's income. The study was published in Canadian Family Physician and carries a margin of error of ±3%. Key findings: - The study surveyed 1,055 actively practicing family physicians across Ontario and analyzed time spent on 20 commonly billed services. - Female family physicians spent about 15–20% more time per patient, which averaged nearly four additional minutes per appointment. - The Papanicolaou (Pap) test was the only service where time spent was reported as the same between female and male family doctors. - Authors and interviewed clinicians described differences in communication style and case mix, noting female doctors often address more psychosocial and complex issues and provide emotional support. - Researchers and the Ontario Medical Association linked the time differences to heavier workloads and a persistent gender pay gap; they suggested considering payment-model changes such as tiered or time-based compensation. Summary: The study highlights measurable differences in appointment length between female and male family physicians and frames those differences as contributing to greater work hours and pay disparities. Authors propose changes to how physicians are compensated, such as systems that account for time spent. The Ontario Ministry of Health was contacted for comment. Undetermined at this time.