Coping With Microaggressions and Gaslighting in the Surgical Learning Environment

Plastic surgery and plastic surgical training programs are institutions rife with rewards. However, these rewards can be tempered by general physical and psychosocial stressors inherent to a surgical specialty. Although progress has been made in addressing the physical demands of training, less attention is given to the psychosocial and interpersonal challenges faced by plastic surgeons and trainees. Two key stressors are microaggressions and gaslighting. Microaggressions are generally unintentional but highly impactful expressions of bias, whereas gaslighting involves deliberate psychological manipulation. The purpose of our article is to explain the influence of microaggressions and gaslighting on plastic surgery providers. Most importantly, we aim to provide a framework for recognizing and addressing them professionally.