Embracing Alterity: The Study of Underrepresented in Medicine (UiM) Physicians in the Contact Zone

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: Examining Race and Ethnicity in Professions Education: A Focus on the Developing Professional and the Future Practitioner

Abstract

In medical education, research on professional identity formation (PIF) has ignored how race/ethnicity and the larger socio-historical context surrounding minorities influences students’ professional identity. In this grounded theory study, 14 Black/African American students describe how they shape and influence the medical community’s perception of them to ensure they are perceived in ways that align with their self-perception – Black and a physician. Students felt their employment of identity negotiation cues and strategies were successful in shaping others’ perceptions away from negative stereotypes, however community-initiated changes such as mentorship from White physicians was considered an important act of acceptance in the development of a professional identity. This study has implications for developing mentoring programs for students who are considered under-represented in medicine.

Authors

• Tasha R. Wyatt, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

• Nicole Winston

• DeJuan White, Emory University

• Taryn Taylor, Emory University

• DeVante Scott