Health professions school applicant experiences of discrimination during interviews. (4th May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chatterjee, Avik; Dunleavy, Spencer; Gonzalez, Tiffany; Benson, Jalen; Henault, Lori; MacIntosh, Alexander; Goodell, Kristen; Witzburg, Robert; Paasche-Orlow, Michael
• Is Part Of: Medical teacher. Volume 45:Number 5(2023)
• Page Start: 532
• Page End: 541
• Publication Date: 2023-05-04
• Subjects: Medical education -- interviews -- workforce -- diversity -- bias; Medical education -- Periodicals; 610.711
• DOI: 10.1080/0142159X.2022.2142107
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-159X

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Bias pervades every aspect of healthcare including admissions, perpetuating the lack of diversity in the healthcare workforce. Admissions interviews may be a time when applicants to health profession education programs experience discrimination. Methods: Between January and June 2021 we invited US and Canadian applicants to health profession education programs to complete a survey including the Everyday Discrimination Scale, adapted to ascertain experiences of discrimination during admissions interviews. We used chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression to determine associations between identity factors and positive responses. Results: Of 1115 respondents, 281 (25.2%) reported discrimination in the interview process. Individuals with lower socioeconomic status ( OR : 1.78, 95% CI [1.26, 2.52], p = 0.001) and non-native English speakers ( OR: 1.76, 95% CI [1.08, 2.87], p = 0.02) were significantly more likely to experience discrimination. Half of those experiencing discrimination (139, or 49.6%) did nothing in response, though 44 (15.7%) reported the incident anonymously and 10 (3.6%) reported directly to the institution where it happened. Conclusions: Reports of discrimination are common among HPE applicants. Reforms at the interviewer- (e.g. avoiding questions about family planning) and institution-level (e.g. presenting institutional efforts to promote health equity) are needed to decrease the incidence and mitigate the impact of such events.