• Karen M Schneider, Michelle N Strecker, Pamela A Promecene, and Manju Monga.
• Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas Medical School Houston, TX 77030, USA. karen.m.schneider@uth.tmc.edu
• South. Med. J. 2005 Apr 1; 98 (4): 409410409-10.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine racial bias in patient selection of an obstetrician.MethodsObstetrical patients referred for genetic counseling at a community hospital were included. Self-reported patient race/ethnicity were compared with obstetrician's race/ethnicity.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionsIn an urban community with a racially diverse population, there is a strong racial bias in patient selection of an obstetrician.

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