Professional identity formation for underrepresented in medicine learners

Professional identity formation (PIF) is a dynamic developmental process by which individuals merge the knowledge and skills of clinical practice with the values and behaviors of their personal identity. For an individual physician, this process is a continuum which begins with their nascent interest in the field of medicine and extends through the end stages of a medical career. The impact of PIF has become a growing focus of medical education research in the last decade, and in that time, little attention has been paid to the influence underrepresented in medicine (UIM) identities may have on this fundamental process. Importantly, in discussions of how medical educators can support and encourage successful PIF, there is little discussion on the distinct challenges and different needs UIM learners may have. The purpose of this paper is to address the current literature around PIF for UIM trainees. This review explores various threats to identity formation, including identity fusion, stereotype threat, minority tax, implicit bias, and lack of mentorship. Evidence-based strategies to mitigate these challenges is also presented, including furthering institutional support for PIF, building the community of practice, supporting an inclusive environment, and developing PIF assessment tools. Through exploring these challenges and solutions, we are better able to address the needs of UIM trainees and physicians as they proceed in their PIF during their lifelong journey in medicine.