The impact of culture and lived experiences on health professions education and practice

Health professions educators are not immune to the impact our lived experiences and associated cultures, including healthcare professional/higher education culture, can have on the development and manifestation of biases. These biases can impact students during the admissions process, their interactions with faculty in the classroom, selection for rewards and recognition, and access to research opportunities. Likewise, our colleagues can be affected during the hiring process, in their assignment to committees, and during the promotion and tenure process. Patients on the receiving end of bias can have poorer treatment outcomes and their perception of the clinical encounter can be impacted. Educational institutions and faculty must employ strategies, including cultural humility to create an inclusive environment for faculty, staff, and students.