Bias, Prejudice, and Discrimination in Medicine
One of the most pressing issues in medicine today is the impact of racism on patient care. This multidisciplinary study examines both the neural underpinnings of prejudice and bias and personal experiences of discrimination in health care. This includes a literature review focused on how bias and prejudice are neurologically developed, maintained, and minimized throughout life. This study identified the mirror neuron system in the development of prejudice and the amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex, insula, and anterior cingulate cortex as especially important in the maintenance and expression of prejudice. Subliminal training, empathy training, and meditation were recognized as effective methods of minimizing bias and prejudice. Secondly, this study utilizes interviews and statement coding to identify common themes in the experience of discrimination in healthcare. This study’s findings aligned with previous research with the main themes being Lack of Care for the Individual, Structural Racism, Historical Trauma, Life Changing Qualities of Discrimination, and Qualities of a Good Provider. The findings from these two studies were analyzed in concert and combined into a pamphlet of suggestions for providers to mitigate their bias, prejudice, and discrimination.