Understand and Mitigate Implicit Bias
In the following videos, James Evans introduces the concept of implicit bias, how to spot it, and what to do when you know what your biases are.
Implicit Bias is everywhere, and the veterinary profession is no different. Try to think of it as unconscious. These are things that most of us are unconsciously unaware of. Until we intentionally create a conscious awareness, it cannot be known, addressed, embraced, and corrected.
From 2013 to 2017, White patients in the US received better quality health care than about 34% of Hispanic patients, 40% of Black patients, and 40% of Native American patients. – Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2023)
National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report, AHRQ
We have biases around race, religion, gender, sexuality, and even implicit biases regarding animals, breeds, and veterinary profession roles. That also corresponds to our clientele having implicit biases about medical professionals, veterinarians, and all the other kinds as well. You can imagine when these intersect, unconscious collisions can be occurring without ever being addressed.
Mike Bricker, former Chief Strategy Officer and Director of Care Centers, continues the discussion in the following video.