Addressing Your Personal Biases
Bias comes in many forms and can influence how even the most well-intentioned physician responds in their practice. Bias can lead to feelings or attitudes towards other people based on characteristics like ethnicity, age, ability, gender, or appearance. Our brains naturally and unconsciously sort people into groups which leads to thoughts and preferences based on a range of characteristics such as age, sex, or ability. Those implicit biases can unconsciously influence our actions, reactions, perceptions, and judgements which can lead to unfavorable health outcomes.
No one is immune to implicit biases but they can be overcome. By working to increase the awareness you have of your own personal implicit biases, thoughts, and feelings, you can begin to implement behavior changes that will help you focus on seeing each patient as a person instead of a grouping of characteristics.
White Like Me ~ Tim Wise
Limit Your Biases
- Be conscious of and question your decisions. Self-reflection is key to adjusting your perspective and being mindful.
- Educate yourself. You can learn how to act objectively and limit the influence that your biases have on your behavior. Project Implicit
- Communicate about it and create systems to reduce it. It's important to hold yourself accountable as you work to consciously change your stereotypes. Create a safe space for yourself and your peers to openly talk, discuss, and take steps to combat your biases.
- Increase your exposure. Spend time with people who are different from you and become more inclusive to help counter any stereotypes you might have.
Disrupt Bias
Overcome Our Biases
Privilege Ebooks
