Understanding and Addressing Microaggressions in Medicine.

Microaggressions are directed unconsciously to people of color or other minority groups, and the accumulated experience of multiple microaggressions over a lifetime have detrimental effects on mental health. In the clinical setting, both physicians and patients can commit microaggressions. Patients experiencing a microaggression from their provider suffer emotional distress and distrust resulting in decreased service utilization, reduced adherence, and poorer physical and mental health. Physicians and medical trainees, particularly those of color, women and LGBTQIA members, have increasingly experienced microaggressions committed by patients. Learning to recognize and address microaggressions in the clinical setting creates a more supportive and inclusive environment.