Achieving equity and inclusion in a surgical department: An analysis of unconscious bias
The Judson G. Randolph Lectureship is held by Kenneth Azarow, M.D., FACS, F.A.A.P., Interim Chair of the Department of Surgery. Dr. Azarow will discuss these learning directives for this Grand Rounds session:
- Describe unconscious bias
- Analyze a departmental compensation plan that neutralizes unconscious bias
- Analyze educational survey data to demonstrate unconscious bias in the operating room
Unconscious biases are social stereotypes about certain groups of people that individuals form outside their own conscious awareness. Everyone holds unconscious beliefs about various social and identity groups, and these biases stem from one’s tendency to organize social worlds by categorizing. Unconscious bias is far more prevalent then conscious prejudice and often incompatible with one’s conscious values. Certain scenarios can activate unconscious attitudes and beliefs.