Political leanings may affect doctors' advice, study finds

A physician's political opinion could affect their medical advice, a study published Monday found.

Researchers from Yale University presented hypothetical cases to doctors around the country with different political affiliations.

When the fake medical issues weren't political –– like obesity, depression or alcohol abuse –– Republican and Democratic doctors had similar levels of concern and gave similar medical advice.

But their advice differed for hot-button political topics. Democratic physicians were significantly more concerned when a patient kept firearms at home with children around. And Republican physicians were more alarmed when patients used marijuana or had had an abortion.

The researchers said doctors need to think hard about how their own political views could skew their professional advice.

They also encouraged patients to be aware which way their doctors lean. One researcher said it's like considering a doctor's gender: Patients should choose a physician who makes them feel comfortable.

Support real journalism. Support local journalism. Subscribe to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution today. See offers.

Your subscription to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution funds in-depth reporting and investigations that keep you informed. Thank you for supporting real journalism.