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

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  • Myia S. Williams

    (Department of Medicine, Northwell Health, Manhassett, NY 11030, USA
    Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Myia S. Williams & Alyson K. Myers & Oyindamola Adebo & Lisa Anang, 2025. "Invisible in White Coats: Unveiling the Hidden Barriers for Female Physicians Through Microaggressions and Intersectionality," Merits, MDPI, vol. 5(3), pages 1-19, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jmerit:v:5:y:2025:i:3:p:15-:d:1699296
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Heponiemi, Tarja & Manderbacka, Kristiina & Vänskä, Jukka & Elovainio, Marko, 2013. "Can organizational justice help the retention of general practitioners?," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 110(1), pages 22-28.
    2. Nicola Magnavita & Carlo Chiorri & Daniela Acquadro Maran & Sergio Garbarino & Reparata Rosa Di Prinzio & Martina Gasbarri & Carmela Matera & Anna Cerrina & Maddalena Gabriele & Marcella Labella, 2022. "Organizational Justice and Health: A Survey in Hospital Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-10, August.
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