APSA Members experience bias and discrimination in training and practice.

Creator(s)

Jack Vernamonti
Kanika Bowen-Jallow
Anghela Paredes
Hannah Cockrell
Zach Morrison
Carlos T. Huerta
Alejandro Garcia
Teerin T. Meckmongkol
Tolulope A. Oyetunji MD MPH, Children's Mercy Kansas CityFollow
Carmen T. Ramos-Irizarry
Jose Diaz-Miron
Sabina Siddiqui
Irving Zamora
Anthony Stallion
Kathryn Martin
Cynthia Reyes
Erika A. Newman

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2023

Identifier

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.09.038

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Bias and discrimination remain pervasive in the medical field and increase the risk of burnout, mental health disorders, and medical errors. The experiences of APSA members with bias and discrimination are unknown, therefore the APSA committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion conducted a survey to characterize the prevalence of bias and discrimination.

METHODS: 1558 APSA members were sent an anonymous survey, of which 423 (27%) responded. Respondents were asked about their demographics, knowledge of implicit bias, and experience of bias and discrimination within their primary workplace, APSA, and APSA committees. Data were analyzed using Fisher's Exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and multivariable logistic regression as appropriate with significance defined as p<0.05.

RESULTS: Discrimination was reported across all levels of practice, academic appointments, race, ethnicity, and gender identities. On multivariable analysis, surgical trainees (OR 3.6) as well as Asian American and Pacific Islander (OR 4.8), Black (OR 5.2), Hispanic (OR 8.2) and women (OR 8.7) surgeons were more likely to experience bias and discrimination in the workplace. Community practice surgeons were more likely to experience discrimination within APSA committees (OR 3.6). Members identifying as Asian (OR 0.4), or women (OR 0.6) were less likely to express comfort reporting instances of bias and discrimination.

CONCLUSION: Workplace discrimination exists across all training levels, academic appointments, and racial and gender identities. Trainees and racial- and gender-minority surgeons report disproportionately high prevalence of bias and discrimination. Improving reporting mechanisms and implicit bias training are possible initiatives in addressing these findings.

Journal Title

Journal of pediatric surgery

Volume

58

Issue

1

First Page

172

Last Page

176

MeSH Keywords

Humans; Female; Surgeons; Ethnicity; Surveys and Questionnaires; Hispanic or Latino; Burnout, Professional

Keywords

APSA; Bias; Burnout; Wellness; Workplace discrimination

Recommended Citation

Vernamonti J, Bowen-Jallow K, Paredes A, et al. APSA Members experience bias and discrimination in training and practice. J Pediatr Surg. 2023;58(1):172-176. doi:10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.09.038