Physician experiences of workplace racial and gender microaggressions

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate racial and gender-specific microaggressions that are experienced by pediatric otolaryngologists at work.

Methods: An anonymous web-based survey consisting of 18 questions was sent to American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) members via an email link. The survey included questions from the Workplace and School Microaggressions component of the Racial and Ethnic Microaggressions (REM) Scale.

Results: 125 out of 610 ASPO members completed the survey for a response rate of 20.5%. 28% of respondents reported experiencing a racial/ethnic microaggression in the last six months. Respondents who identified as Asian American Pacific Islander had significantly higher REM scores when compared with Caucasian respondents (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in scores when comparing the other Race categories. Female respondents reported significantly higher gendered-microaggression scores compared to those identifying as male (p < 0.001). 66% of female respondents experienced some form of gender-based microaggression in the last six months.

Conclusion: By providing evidence that pediatric otolaryngologists continue to report experiences of discrimination in the form of microaggressions, this study aims to increase awareness and inspire a more inclusive work environment.

Keywords: Discrimination; Gender; Microaggression; Pediatric otolaryngology; Race.