Web sites let patients find like-minded physicians

Some patients say a certain race, religion or view about sexual orientation is important in a physician. Cyberspace is offering a link between the two.

By Damon Adams, AMNews staff. March 27, 2006.

After New York dermatologist Dina Strachan, MD, launched a Web site for her practice, she received e-mails from patients as far away as Australia looking for black physicians. She searched the Internet for a site that listed black doctors and said she couldn't find a good one for patients. So she began one on her own: findablackdoctor.com.

"The purpose of this Web site is to give an option to people who think [race] is important. It's the same way some women feel more comfortable with a female gynecologist," Dr. Strachan said.

Since she started the site in April 2005, Dr. Strachan has signed up 150 practitioners, including physicians, dentists and psychologists.

Findablackdoctor.com is among a growing number of Web sites catering to patients looking for physicians of a particular race, religious background or sexual sensitivity. A patient interested in a Christian doctor can search the Christian Medical & Dental Assns.' Web site. Someone who wants a doctor sensitive to the medical needs of gays and lesbians can seek physicians through the Gay and Lesbian Medical Assn.

For physicians, the sites offer an opportunity to expand their patient base, help fight racial and ethnic disparities and form bonds with patients of similar backgrounds, Web operators and physicians said.

"People want a physician who shares their world view, especially if they're dealing with end-of-life issues. Some of these ethical issues are spilling over in how to choose a doctor," said David Stevens, MD, executive director of the 17,000-member Christian Medical & Dental Assns.