The female patient mortality rate is lower when treated by a female doctor rather than a male doctor according to a new study by the University of Tokyo.

The University conducted a study of patient mortality rates and readmission rates using data from the United States of around 42,000 doctors and 77,000 patients.

The study controlled for variables such as age, medical condition, and doctor experience to analyze the effects of different gender combinations between patients and doctors.

The results showed that female patients have lower mortality and readmission rates when treated by female doctors in comparison to male doctors.

The research team hypothesized that female patients may be more comfortable discussing their symptoms with female doctors.

They also said that there is a need for continued support to increase female doctors.