Evaluation of implicit bias in professional relationships among medical students is limited. Underrepresented minorities in medicine (URM) comprise 25% of medical school matriculants and 7.5 % of medical school faculty. Most matriculants are from middle- and upper-income families. These factors may influence medical student exposure to a diversity of experiences and perspectives from their colleagues and instructors. Medical students hold consistent levels of implicit bias throughout their medical training, and the training environment may reinforce biases. It is important that implicit bias training in medical school increase awareness of bias not only related to patients, but also to professional interactions.
To increase awareness of biases which may influence relationships among medical students, an evidence-based workshop using qualitative (observational) and quantitative (survey-based) evaluations was developed. This workshop integrated intersectional experiences using components of transformative learning theory (disorienting experiences, critical reflection, dialogue) and skill acquisition. The objectives were to increase awareness of implicit bias in healthcare, identify biased beliefs, and to provide tools for deconstructing bias.