From the April 2022 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine

The importance of mentorship
Even after finding success in medical school, early-career physicians will likely benefit if partnered with a good mentor. Mentorship for URMs has been associated with increased career satisfaction and preparedness for junior faculty; but unfortunately, these opportunities are often not hardwired into training programs and faculty development. Making mentorship an expected part of specialty training and onboarding for new hires may increase their chances of success and insertional retention. Diversity in leadership roles will set a vital example to inspire entry-level physicians, who will be encouraged by people who share their backgrounds and experiences.

Create change within policies

Leaders must examine institutional and organizational policies with a critical lens to ensure the language, rules, and outcomes will reduce rather than amplify historic disparities. Even policies that appear neutral in their approach or language can unintentionally perpetuate and even exacerbate disparities. I once encountered a proposed policy devised to prevent institutional discrimination. However, imprecise verbiage unintentionally impugned and stigmatized the very people it was intended to protect. We must all be keenly aware of such potential hazards and guard to prevent them through a crucial review of our policies and practices. Further, after policies are implemented, outcomes should be examined to assess if the intentions were achieved.

What fellow physicians can do
Some of the most impactful changes we can make in our field is at a personal level — within ourselves and with our colleagues. Each of us can strive to be an ally and change agent in the workplace, being open to supporting fellow colleagues. Sometimes, this means stepping into uncomfortable situations or having difficult conversations to address matters that arise in the hope of transforming work culture. It also means learning to be a good listener — perhaps the most powerful skill to help us better understand one another.

Other times, it means striving to develop an awareness of our own unconscious biases and how they are manifest. Every person is inherently biased. We are evolutionarily hardwired to categorize each other. Therefore, it is our personal responsibility to recognize our own implicit biases, understand their origins, and strive to overcome them. Through this personal growth, each of us can be a small catalyst for change. We can utilize our training as physicians to reflect upon ourselves and consciously work to appreciate the value and the humanity of everyone with whom we collaborate and serve.

April 2022 Magazine

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