Racial Microaggressions in Healthcare: Implications for Patient Outcomes and Physician Education

Strategic Insights -

Research from Oregon State University has shed light on the detrimental effects of clinician-perpetrated microaggressions on people of color, highlighting the need for addressing racism in healthcare before medical school. The study found that experiencing such microaggressions is associated with poorer health outcomes, and that physician education can offer immediate impact. However, evidence of racial bias among medical students underscores the urgency to tackle racism in healthcare.

Key Takeaways:

  • Research has shown that experiencing clinician-perpetrated microaggressions is associated with poorer health outcomes in people of color, with patients of color perceiving physicians as less credible and culturally competent when they commit microaggressions.
  • Study 1 results revealed that physicians treating Black patients were perceived as more credible and culturally competent compared to physicians treating Native American patients, while natural-science-focused pre-health majors demonstrated a greater acceptability of racial microaggressions.
  • Study 2 results mostly replicated those of Study 1, suggesting that patient race can influence perceptions of the physician regardless of how they are treating the patient, while microaggressions lead to negative evaluations of physicians.
  • The study's findings have significant implications for physician education and training, highlighting the need to address racism in healthcare before medical school.
  • The research also suggests that addressing racial microaggressions in healthcare should be a priority, with a focus on improving the cultural competence and sensitivity of healthcare providers.

Statistics:

  • 117 participants were involved in Study 1, while 98 participants were involved in Study 2.
  • The study found that physicians who committed microaggressions against patients of color were perceived as less credible and culturally competent.
  • 63% of natural-science-focused pre-health majors demonstrated a greater acceptability of racial microaggressions.

Sources:

  • Unpacking Contemporary Racism In Healthcare: the Ramifications of Racial Microaggressions From Healthcare Professionals and Considerations for Undergraduate Education. Race and Social Problems, 2025.
  • NewsRx. Data on Race and Social Problems Detailed by Researchers at Oregon State University (Unpacking Contemporary Racism In Healthcare: the Ramifications of Racial Microaggressions From Healthcare Professionals and Considerations for Undergraduate ...). Education Letter. October 29, 2025; p 91.