SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Diverse Identities and Varied Experiences in Settings of Healthcare Education

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This study used the DIVERSE survey, a mixed-methods needs assessment, to examine identity-based bias among faculty and postgraduate trainees across eight clinical departments at Yale School of Medicine and affiliated clinical sites. After validation and modification from a pilot survey, 626 participants responded: 322 trainees and 304 faculty. Respondents were diverse in gender identity and race, including cisgender women, cisgender men, and non-binary or transgender individuals, with about 46% identifying as white.<br /><br />The most commonly reported experiences were microaggressions, emotional or psychological distress, hurtful or offensive language, and not being heard. Women physicians experienced identity-based insults at significantly higher rates than men, especially women of color. Overall, 90% of white women and 95% of women of color reported at least one surveyed offense, compared with 50% of white men and 67% of men of color.<br /><br />Respondents most often attributed the bias to race and/or sex, followed by training level, skin color, country of origin, and age. A hierarchical pattern emerged: faculty most often reported other faculty as offenders, while trainees experienced insults from both faculty and patients. Patients appeared to target trainees more often than faculty, suggesting sensitivity to physician hierarchy.<br /><br />Witnessed offenses occurred about as often as experienced offenses, indicating these behaviors are common and observable in daily clinical work. However, bystander or “upstander” responses were weak; correction, support, or intervention were infrequent.<br /><br />The authors conclude that identity-based bias is common in clinical settings and affects physician well-being and career development, especially for women and physicians of color. In response, the institution created an upstander training curriculum and the authors recommend broader use of the survey to monitor workplace climate, improve safety, and support retention.

Asset Subtitle

Reonna Smith

Meta Tag

Author List Martin Slade, Raksha Madhavan, Ramya Kaushik, Reonna Smith, Shaili Gupta

Category Research

Concept Microaggressions

Concept Identity-Based Bias

Concept Offensive Language

Concept Upstander Response

Concept Emotional Distress

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Yale New Haven Hospital

Presenting Author Reonna Smith

Track Education

Keywords

identity-based bias

microaggressions

medical trainees

faculty

women physicians

physicians of color

clinical workplace climate

upstander training

Yale School of Medicine

bystander intervention

Microaggressions

Identity-Based Bias

Offensive Language

Upstander Response

Emotional Distress