Estimating Implicit and Explicit Gender Bias Among Health Care Professionals and Surgeons

The main contribution of this work is an initial estimate of the extent of implicit gender bias within health care. Future research could examine implications of implicit gender biases on gender inequality and discrimination. Other research already provides some interventions for addressing gender bias regardless of whether it comes from implicit bias or other sources. For example, increasing transparency of hiring and promotion policies, considering diversity as a performance metric for organizations, and promoting flexible leave all serve to increase the success of female physicians and trainees. Further documentation of implicit associations and other potential psychological obstacles to women’s success will be important for determining the most effective interventions to reduce gender inequality. It is important to also intentionally study the effects of bias on individuals who hold more than one minority identity, such as black or Hispanic women. Such research will benefit current medical students who will become our physicians tomorrow.

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