Moving Beyond Implicit Bias in Antiracist Academic Medicine Initiatives

Abstract

The concept of implicit bias has arguably laid the groundwork for uncomfortable discussions surrounding race in academic medicine, but its effectiveness in changing racist behavior and systems remains unclear. Terms like implicit bias, while perhaps more palatable than other concepts to some, may result in confusion and divert time from meaningful reconceptualization and creation of effective antiracism initiatives. This Invited Commentary contends that the term implicit bias is inadequate for addressing racism because it is too broad; does not necessarily lead to a change in racist behaviors; assumes that racism is unconscious, aggressor-centered, and individual-focused; and implies that everyone suffers equally in a racist system. The authors illustrate why terms like implicit bias are inadequate in combatting racism in medicine and suggest alternate terminology to use while engaging in antiracism work in academic medicine.