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The Elephant in the Room: Racial Microaggressions and Implicit Bias in Surgical Training
Yewande Alimi1, Lisa A Bevilacqua2, Rebecca A Snyder3
1Department of Surgery, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC.
Annals of Surgery
|August 11, 2023
Summary
Racial and ethnic minority surgical residents experience microaggressions at higher rates. Addressing bias in surgical training is crucial for resident well-being and the future of surgery.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Health Equity
Background:
- Underrepresentation of racial and ethnic groups in surgery persists.
- Prior research shows sex differences in microaggression experiences.
- Limited data exists on race, microaggressions, and implicit bias in surgical trainees.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between race, microaggressions, and implicit bias in surgical training.
- To determine the prevalence of microaggressions experienced by surgical residents based on race.
- To identify predictors and adverse effects of microaggressions in surgical training.
Main Methods:
- A 46-item survey was distributed to general surgery and subspecialty residents.
- Survey data included demographics, and experiences of microaggressions.
- Prevalence, predictors, and effects of microaggressions were analyzed.
Main Results:
- 1624 residents responded; 63.4% identified as non-Hispanic White.
- 91.9% of non-Hispanic Black residents reported microaggressions.
- Non-Hispanic Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Hispanic residents had higher odds of experiencing microaggressions compared to non-Hispanic White residents.
Conclusions:
- Race significantly influences the experience of microaggressions and implicit bias in surgical training.
- Training programs must proactively address bias to support resident well-being.
- Addressing these disparities is vital for the future surgical workforce pipeline.
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