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Scientific Oral Presentation

Care Equity, Quality, and Safety

The Effect of Surgeon's Language Accent on Patient Satisfaction

Sunday, October 18, 2026
11:30 AM - 11:36 AM PT
Location: 406A

    Presenting Author(s)

  • AG

    Amir Golchin, MD

    Life Science Research Professional 2
    Stanford Medicine, California, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Jennifer C. Alyono, MD, MS

    Associate Clinical Professor
    Stanford University
    Stanford, California, United States

    • Senior Author(s)

  • BN

    Brian A. Nuyen, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor
    Stanford Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
    Portland, Oregon, United States

Disclosure(s):
Amir Golchin, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Introduction: Patient-centered experience measures are increasingly used to evaluate healthcare quality, and physician communication strongly drives patient ratings. However, it’s unclear how vocal cues, like accent, shape patient perceptions. We tested whether accent and gender influence perceived surgeon attributes in standardized scenario.

Methods: PlayAI generated pitch-matched male/female recordings of a surgeon delivering an identical informed-consent script for tracheostomy in three English-speaking accents (British English (BrE), American English (AmE), and African American Vernacular English (AAVE)). Speech rate and rhythm were standardized. N=1,100 adults were randomized to one recording and completed Press Ganey (5-point) and Shared Decision-Making measures, as well as ratings of the voice’s perceived intelligence, experience, competence, and attractiveness. Multivariable regression was used; Bonferroni correction was applied to secondary perception outcomes; primary endpoint was likelihood to recommend (LTR) top-box (5/5).

Results: Male voices were more frequently rated as highly intelligent than female voices (85% vs 78%, pBonf =0.011). BrE was rated more competent (87% vs. 85% and 70%) and more experienced (87% vs. 85% and 68%; BrE vs. AmE and AAVE) (p < 0.001). AmE was rated more intelligent (88% vs. 87% and 69%) and more attractive (78% vs. 76% and 53%; AmE vs BrE and AAVE (p < 0.001).
BrE was perceived more confident (4.17 ± 0.82 vs. 4.11 ± 0.85 and 3.75 ± 1.05) and more understandable (4.52 ± 0.68 vs. 4.46 ± 0.67 and 4.28 ± 0.86; BrE vs. AmE and AAVE) (p < 0.001). AmE was perceived as friendlier (4.18 ± 0.79 vs. 4.12 ± 0.81 and 3.58 ± 1.08; AmE vs. BrE and AAVE) (p < 0.001). Compared to AmE, BrE was associated with higher odds of LTR top-box (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.03–2.48, p = 0.038).

Conclusions: Male voices were rated as more intelligent, but gender was not associated with higher LTR. BrE accent was associated with higher odds of LTR top-box and higher confidence/experience ratings. AAVE was rated significantly less favorably. Overall, surgeon accent and gender influenced patient perceptions of surgeon attributes.