Coming face to face with implicit bias, microagressions, and macroaggressions: Understanding the influence of structural racism and misogyny on physician wellness

Regina D Richards; Max V Wohlauer

doi:10.1016/j.jvs.2021.04.021

Coming face to face with implicit bias, microagressions, and macroaggressions: Understanding the influence of structural racism and misogyny on physician wellness

J Vasc Surg. 2021 Aug;74(2S):101S-110S. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2021.04.021.

Authors

Regina D Richards¹, Max V Wohlauer²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colo.
² Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Department of Surgery, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colo. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 34303449
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2021.04.021

Abstract

Implicit bias, microaggressions, and macroaggressions have a negative impact on physician and trainee wellness. In this article, we describe how structural racism, misogyny, and other social constructs have shaped the medical landscape. Increasing awareness in medical education, patient care, and research can help to dismantle the effects.

Keywords: Diversity; Equity; Implicit bias; Inclusion; Macroaggressions; Microaggressions.

MeSH terms

Aggression*
Attitude of Health Personnel*
Burnout, Professional / psychology
Cultural Diversity*
Culturally Competent Care
Female
Gender Equity
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Humans
Male
Mental Health*
Physician-Patient Relations
Physicians / psychology*
Physicians, Women / psychology
Race Factors
Racism / psychology*
Sex Factors
Sexism*