SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Changing the Clinical Learning Environment: Counseling a Trainee Experiencing Discrimination

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This document describes a simulation-based onboarding program designed to help new internal medicine clinicians respond to discrimination experienced by trainees. The issue is important because discrimination from patients is common, can harm trainee wellbeing and education, and requires support from faculty and other clinicians. However, clinicians new to an institution may have varying levels of training and may not know local resources or policies.<br /><br />The program used an annual virtual OSCE for newly onboarded internal medicine providers. One case, adapted from an existing residency curriculum, asked clinicians to meet a standardized trainee who was struggling after multiple discriminatory incidents from patients that had led to burnout. Participants were expected to acknowledge the situation, counsel the trainee, and develop a follow-up plan. The session also included a verbal feedback component, a behaviorally anchored checklist, a group debrief, and a resource guide.<br /><br />The checklist assessed skills in four main domains: information gathering, relationship development, education/counseling, and case-specific actions. Results showed that clinicians varied widely in their comfort and skill in handling the scenario. After the simulation and debriefing, participants reported improved confidence in supporting a resident experiencing discrimination. In post-program feedback, 100% of clinicians agreed that the onboarding program helped them feel more confident in this role.<br /><br />Overall, the project demonstrates that targeted simulation plus debriefing can improve clinician preparedness to address discrimination against trainees and signals that maintaining a safe, inclusive learning environment is an institutional priority.

Asset Subtitle

Amber Whitley

Meta Tag

Author List Amber Whitley, Barbara Porter, Christian Torres, Renee Heller, Richard Greene, Sondra Zabar

Category Innovations

Concept Discrimination

Concept Trainee

Concept Wellness

Concept Burnout

Concept Counseling

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization New York University Grossman School of Medicine

Presenting Author Amber Whitley

Track Education

Keywords

simulation-based onboarding

internal medicine clinicians

discrimination response

trainee wellbeing

virtual OSCE

standardized trainee

faculty support

behaviorally anchored checklist

group debrief

inclusive learning environment

Discrimination

Trainee

Wellness

Burnout

Counseling