Gaslighting in academic medicine: where anti-Black racism lives

Abstract

Institutional betrayal behaviours, such as gaslighting of victims of anti-Black racism, have devastating consequences, yet are seldom acknowledged. They play critical roles in extending the harms from racism and undermine institutions' integrity and reputations even as the institutions attempt to make meaningful gains in equity, diversity and inclusion. Groups that hold unearned privilege may be at risk of perpetrating gaslighting. Groups at high risk of racism, including faculty members who are Black, but also those experiencing other or intersecting forms of oppression, may be at high risk of institutional betrayal. Faculties of medicine should be aware of these behaviours within their own organizations and make every effort to identify, expose and eliminate them.