Invisible in White Coats: Unveiling the Hidden Barriers for Female Physicians Through Microaggressions and Intersectionality

Myia S. Williams (), Alyson K. Myers, Oyindamola Adebo and Lisa Anang
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Myia S. Williams: Department of Medicine, Northwell Health, Manhassett, NY 11030, USA
Alyson K. Myers: Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
Oyindamola Adebo: Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
Lisa Anang: Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA

Merits, 2025, vol. 5, issue 3, 1-19

Abstract: Despite decades of ongoing efforts to address gender equality, female physicians, particularly women of color, continue to face significant barriers in medicine, which are exacerbated by microaggressions. In this qualitative study, 133 female physicians recalled experiences with microaggressions and the impact of these experiences on their professional identities and career progression. Thematic analysis revealed four major themes: (1) disregard for professional status; (2) undermining contributions; (3) intersectionality; (4) impact on career mobility and professional confidence. Further, there was one emerging theme: leadership and culture. The results underscore the compounding effects of microaggressions for female physicians with intersecting identities. Highlighting the application of social identity theory, intersectionality, and organizational justice, this study provides a comprehensive view of the impact of microaggressions on female physicians, offering new perspectives on the intersectional nature of discrimination and its effects on professional identity and career satisfaction.

Keywords: microaggressions; intersectionality; social identity; intersectional invisibility (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J L M (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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