Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 3, 2026

Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide
09:52

Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide

Published on: January 15, 2017

15.6K

Micro- and Macroaggressions Experienced by Physicians and Trainees: A Nationwide Qualitative Study

Cynthia Kay1, Jennifer A Woodard2, Natalie Yass3

  • 1Department of Medicine, Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center and Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

Southern Medical Journal
|May 1, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Physicians and trainees often feel responsible for addressing micro- and macroaggressions but lack preparedness. This qualitative study explored their experiences and strategies for managing these challenging workplace interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Education
  • Qualitative Research
  • Workplace Dynamics

Background:

  • Existing literature on micro- and macroaggressions in medicine primarily relies on surveys and focus groups.
  • A deeper understanding of individual physician and trainee perspectives is crucial for advancing this field.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore physicians' and physician trainees' lived experiences with micro- and macroaggressions in clinical settings.
  • To investigate their perspectives on effective strategies for addressing these aggressions.

Main Methods:

  • Nationwide qualitative study utilizing virtual one-to-one interviews.
  • Conducted between October 2021 and March 2022 with 18 volunteer faculty physicians and trainees across the U.S.
  • Grounded theory approach for transcript analysis, including codebook development and thematic analysis.

Main Results:

  • Participants detailed a spectrum of aggressions experienced and their emotional/cognitive responses.
  • The complexity of addressing aggressions and participants' self-reflections on their roles were highlighted.
  • Diverse experiences were reported across different levels of training and faculty positions.

Conclusions:

  • A majority of participants felt a responsibility to intervene in micro- and macroaggressions, especially when junior colleagues were present.
  • However, most participants acknowledged feeling unprepared and uncertain about how to effectively respond to such incidents.

More Related Videos

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care14:32

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care

Published on: February 16, 2011

26.2K
Mindfulness in Motion MIM: An Onsite Mindfulness Based Intervention MBI for Chronically High Stress Work Environments to Increase Resiliency and Work Engagement12:22

Mindfulness in Motion MIM: An Onsite Mindfulness Based Intervention MBI for Chronically High Stress Work Environments to Increase Resiliency and Work Engagement

Published on: July 1, 2015

26.3K

Related Concept Videos

Obedience01:08

Obedience

According to obedience research, we may harm others under the forceful pressures of an authority figure (Milgram, 1974). How about if the inappropriate orders were delivered with less force? The increasing interdependence between nurses and physicians compelled Hofling and his colleagues to explore nurses’ reactions to a potentially harmful medical request made by the perceived authority figure, the doctor (Hofling, Brotzman, Dalrymple, Graves, & Pierce, 1966). In this situation,...
26.2K
Barriers to Effective Communication II01:21

Barriers to Effective Communication II

The barriers to effective communication also include cultural barriers, semantic barriers, gender barriers, and time constraints.
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
5.0K
Microenvironments01:22

Microenvironments

Microorganisms inhabit highly localized spaces known as microenvironments, which are defined by distinct physical and chemical characteristics. These include oxygen concentration, pH, temperature, light availability, and nutrient levels. The conditions within a microenvironment can differ markedly from those in the surrounding area and significantly influence microbial growth, metabolism, and community structure.Microenvironments often display sharp physicochemical gradients over small spatial...
54
Ethical Issues01:27

Ethical Issues

Nurses are essential in patient care, upholding the ethical principles of their profession and effectively navigating ethical dilemmas. Neglecting ethical issues can lead to inadequate patient care, compromised therapeutic relationships, and moral distress among healthcare workers.
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
2.3K
Factors Affecting Illness01:18

Factors Affecting Illness

When a person's physical, emotional, intellectual, social development or spiritual functioning is compromised, this deviation from a healthy normal state is called illness. Illness creates stress that in turn harms individuals. Irritation, anger, denial, hopelessness, and fear are behavioral and emotional changes an individual experiences in the phases of illness. A variety of factors influence a person's health and well-being.
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
5.4K
Ethics in Research01:56

Ethics in Research

Today, scientists agree that good research is ethical in nature and is guided by a basic respect for human dignity and safety. However, this has not always been the case. Modern researchers must demonstrate that the research they perform is ethically sound.
23.7K