Identifying Tools to Thrive for the Underrepresented in Medicine

Filling an information gap to benefit the greatest number of people. That was the motivation behind a recent Yale study where researchers set out to identify practical steps for the underrepresented in medicine [URiM].

Assistant Professor of Yale Ob/Gyn Oluwatosin O. Adeyemo, MD, MPH, and Professor of Yale Psychiatry John Encandela, PhD, took completed online survey responses from 23 graduates of medical school who self-identified as URiM. To “thrive in residency” [the additional training required in most specialties following a medical degree], three themes emerged from the study published in the journal of Teaching and Learning in Medicine: (1) the importance of identifying and seeking early mentorship; (2) the importance of identifying and having diverse forms of support; and (3) the need for more prior education on navigating macro/microaggressions.

“Knowledge is power,” says Adeyemo, the study's first author. “Research and findings like this can help graduating medical students become more knowledgeable about potential obstacles and provide effective tools to successfully overcome and thrive amidst challenges.”

Tashzna Jones, MD, a chief resident within Yale Urology who was not part of the survey, says many of the themes resonate with her as one of only two Black women physicians in the department.

“Mentors and colleagues have helped me navigate things that were largely out of my control. And simply sharing experiences helps highlight that these challenges aren’t unique to me. That’s affirming,” says Jones.

Both researchers say that more published studies are needed to develop information that empowers trainees and makes the work environment more inclusive and equitable, which is why they set out on this project.

“Qualitative research complements statistically significant findings from other studies by providing deeper insights into the experiences of a small sample,” says Encandela, the study’s senior author. “Our goal was to explore the residency experiences and recommendations of our URiM alumni. Qualitative research offers insights that numerical data alone cannot.”

Researchers hope that institutions, in particular, pick up further insights. They’ve already seen applications of their findings at Yale School of Medicine [YSM]. An “Empower to Thrive” workshop is now available to all graduating medical students who identify from racial/ethnic underrepresented backgrounds [RE URiM].

Adeyemo says reviewing these study results is part of the curriculum. She and medical school leadership plan to expand course content to include other effective tools for navigating challenging encounters with colleagues, supervisors, and patients.

“Ultimately, systems-level changes are needed to address and eliminate micro and macroaggressions in the practice of medicine and create a supportive environment for all students and trainees regardless of their identity,” she says.

Jones, who will graduate from her urology residency program next June, agrees.

“It’s always helpful to have this kind of data,” she says, “but I’m hesitant about putting all the weight on students/residents. Some things do not change through individual hard work and grit.”