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APSA Members experience bias and discrimination in training and practice
Jack Vernamonti1, Kanika Bowen-Jallow2, Anghela Paredes3
1University of Michigan, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|October 24, 2022
Summary
Bias and discrimination are widespread in the medical field, disproportionately affecting surgical trainees and minority surgeons. Addressing these issues requires improved reporting and implicit bias training.
Area of Science:
- Medical Professionalism
- Surgical Education
- Health Equity
Background:
- Bias and discrimination are prevalent in medicine, leading to burnout, mental health issues, and medical errors.
- The experiences of Association of American Pediatric Surgery (APSA) members regarding bias and discrimination were previously unknown.
- A survey was conducted to understand the prevalence of bias and discrimination within the APSA membership.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the prevalence of bias and discrimination experienced by members of the Association of American Pediatric Surgery (APSA).
- To identify demographic and professional factors associated with experiencing bias and discrimination.
- To inform initiatives aimed at mitigating bias and discrimination in the medical field.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous survey was distributed to 1558 APSA members, with 423 (27%) responding.
- Respondents provided demographic information and reported experiences of bias and discrimination in their workplace and within APSA.
- Statistical analyses included Fisher's Exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and multivariable logistic regression (p<0.05 significance).
Main Results:
- Discrimination was reported across all practice levels, academic appointments, races, ethnicities, and gender identities.
- Surgical trainees, Asian American and Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic surgeons, and women surgeons showed higher odds of experiencing workplace bias and discrimination.
- Community practice surgeons were more likely to face discrimination within APSA committees, while Asian and women members were less comfortable reporting such incidents.
Conclusions:
- Workplace discrimination is pervasive across all surgical training levels, academic positions, and demographic groups.
- Trainees and surgeons from racial and gender minorities experience a disproportionately high prevalence of bias and discrimination.
- Enhancing reporting systems and implementing implicit bias training are recommended strategies to address these disparities.
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