Microaggressions in Medicine

Abstract Guided by diverse patient testimonies and case studies, Microaggressions in Medicine focuses on harms experienced by patients marginalized on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, body size, and disability. It amplifies their voices, stories, and experiences, which have too often been excluded from mainstream bioethical, medical, and popular discussions. The novel account advanced in this book illustrates that microaggressions in medicine are not rare, but frequent in the healthcare experiences of marginalized patients. Nevertheless, it can help patients better understand and make sense of their experiences. It can also help current and future healthcare professionals recognize the serious and enduring consequences that microaggressions have on their patients. Finally, it offers practical strategies for healthcare professionals to reduce microaggressions in their practices. Microaggressions in Medicine demonstrates that the harms of microaggressions are anything but micro. It argues that healthcare professionals have a moral obligation to prevent them as much as possible. The ultimate goal of the book is to help increase health equity. It aims to make a positive difference in the lives of members of marginalized patients as they interact with medical institutions and practitioners. It also aims to support healthcare professionals in modifying their practices to ensure that they are always providing high-quality, patient-centered care to all patients.