Microaggressions and Resiliency During Residency: Creating More Inclusive Environments

Based on a true experience during residency:Female Attending Physician: “So, how was the rotation for you two?”Male Resident: “It was great! I learned so much.”Female Resident: “I had a good experience too, but there were a few times where I felt left out.”Female Attending Physician: “What do you mean?”Female Resident: “Well, there were several times w hen I was not included in procedures or medical decisions because my senior resident asked me to handle other tasks like family and social worker discussions and discharge planning.”Male Resident: “Really? I didn't even notice that.”Female Resident (to Male Resident): “Did you notice how our senior resident treated me differently than you? Did you hear him tell me to be a good girl and pick up food and drinks for the team in the morning? That I would be better at these things than you because I'm naturally more nurturing and patient? And women are good at that stuff?”Male Resident: “ It's no big deal – that's just the way he is.”Female Resident (to Female Attending): “What do you think?”Female Attending Physician: “Yeah, that's too bad.
Source: The American Journal of Medicine - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: AAIM Perspectives Source Type: research