As we observe National Minority Health Month, it is crucial to reflect on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the GI field. These principles are not just moral imperatives but essential strategies for addressing health disparities and enhancing patient care across diverse populations.
The theme this year, Be the Source for Better Health: Improving Health Outcomes Through Cultures, Communities, and Connections, serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility. As gastroenterologists and hepatologists, we are uniquely positioned to influence health outcomes through intentional, inclusive practices that recognize and address implicit biases.
In ASGE’s commitment to DEI, the ASGE Diversity and Inclusion Committee has spotlighted transformative conversations through Healio's DEI series over the past year. These dialogues, featuring experts in our field, provide practical insights and strategies for enhancing equity in GI.
- Gender-based bias and impostor syndrome: Aileen Bui, MD, and Jennifer Phan, MD, shed light on the challenges faced by women in advanced endoscopy, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and reframing opportunities for women to lead in this subspecialty.
- Parental leave policies: Elizabeth Paine, MD, highlights the critical role of inclusive parental leave policies in promoting job retention and reducing burnout, underscoring the necessity of supportive measures for all parents in our field.
- Equitable access for foreign medical graduates: Yakira David, MD, discusses how diversifying the GI workforce can enhance patient care and research, particularly in underserved communities, advocating for reduced barriers for international graduates.
- Racial diversity in clinical trials: Anna Owings, DO, emphasizes the need for racial diversity in clinical trials to improve treatment outcomes for inflammatory bowel disease, highlighting disparities in treatment initiation and response.
- Caring for LGBTQ+ patients: Matthew McNeill, MD, offers insights on addressing health disparities among LGBTQ+ patients, stressing the importance of acceptance, understanding and specific care considerations.
Practical Steps to Address Implicit Bias
In addition to learning from these expert conversations, you might wonder about proactive steps to explore and understand the implicit biases that are a common part of human cognition. Acknowledging that we all have areas to grow, here are five actionable tips to help you reflect on and address these biases in a positive way:
- Diverse exposure: Intentionally expose yourself to diverse cultures, perspectives and communities. This could be through literature, film or participating in cultural events, which can deepen your understanding and empathy. Try to step out of your comfort zone.
- Patient narratives: Encourage patients to share their stories and backgrounds during your encounters. Understanding the patient's personal and cultural context can provide deeper insights into their health needs and how to address them.
- Reflective practice: Periodically pause to reflect on your interactions. This may be best at the end of each day, the end of certain meetings or the start of your day. Consider any biases that might have influenced your decisions or interactions and contemplate ways to mitigate these biases in the future.
- Feedback loops: Actively seek feedback about your practice from colleagues, patients and staff. Be open, responsive and consistent. Constructive feedback can be invaluable for recognizing and addressing unconscious biases.
- Listen and advocate: Listen attentively to the conversations around you, recognizing and noting any microaggressions or subtle discrimination. As a neutral and respectful advocate, gently address these moments to help others grow in awareness. Importantly, the burden of response should not rest solely on those affected.
By integrating these practical solutions into our daily practice, we not only combat implicit bias but also enrich the field of gastroenterology and hepatology with diverse perspectives and inclusive practices. Let us be the source for better health, embodying the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion in our daily practice.
Aly Strauss, MD, PhD, MIE, is a clinician-scientist and assistant professor in transplant hepatology at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Strauss’ research is on the intersection of data science-driven interventions and health disparities to promote equity for minority populations with liver disease.