Donna Zulman

Black physicians and scientists are massively underrepresented in academic medical centers, a situation that is exacerbated by an actively leaking pipeline. Bias, microaggressions, and lack of allyship competency thwart progress in developing an inclusive and supportive culture. An important step to creating an environment in which faculty from historically underrepresented groups can thrive is establishing an inclusive culture where allyship is the norm. Effective training that transforms communication practices and enhances allyship will: 1) advance racial equity and justice for faculty in academic medical centers; 2) build a cadre of clinicians who provide equitable, compassionate, and empathetic care to diverse patient populations; and 3) have a lasting positive impact on the training of future physicians and scientists from underrepresented groups.

This project will develop and evaluate a novel allyship intervention to support physicians and physician scientists of color. Formative qualitative research will include facilitated discussions with Stanford faculty and members of the national Society of Black Academic Surgeons. Ultimately, the goal is to determine whether a brief didactic training combined with intimate conversations with colleagues from different racial/ethnic backgrounds can help: 1) increase allyship self-efficacy, particularly among non-minority physicians, and 2) increase feelings of partnership and belonging among faculty who are Black or from other underrepresented groups. The proposed training will serve as a core element of a future multifaceted intervention to promote a culture of allyship that positively impacts Black physicians and scientists, as well as other faculty, staff, and trainees from underrepresented groups.