Flashback Friday: Cultural Competency and Cognitive Bias

<p><strong>Host: Dr. Isaac Agboola, MD, MS</strong></p> <p><strong>Guest:</strong> <strong>Dr. Sheryl Heron, MD, MDP, FACEP<br /> Assistant Dean of Medical Education and Student Affairs at Emory University School of Medicine <br /> Vice Chair of Administrative Affairs<br /> Professor of Emergency Medicine</strong></p> <p><strong>Overview<br /></strong>Drs. Agboola and Heron discuss the intricacies of cognitive bias and cultural competency and the role it plays in the emergency department. They discuss ways that individuals and residency programs alike can ensure they are rendering more culturally competent care - and model that for medical trainees. Additionally, they spend time addressing communities at risk for such biases such as undomiciled populations, individuals from lower socioeconomic status, and racial minorities.</p> <p><strong>Key Resources</strong></p> <ul> <li><a title="EMRA Diversity and Inclusion Committee " href= "https://www.emra.org/be-involved/committees/diversity-and-inclusion/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>EMRA Diversity and Inclusion Committee </strong></a></li> <li><a title="Implicit Bias: What Can We Do?" href= "https://www.emra.org/emresident/article/implicit-bias/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Implicit Bias: What Can We Do?</strong></a></li> <li><a title="Implicit Bias and ED Overcrowding" href= "https://www.emra.org/emresident/article/implicit-bias-in-overcrowding/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Implicit Bias and ED Overcrowding</strong></a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Key Points</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Cognitive bias, microaggressions and cultural humility should compel us to think more deeply on how we can deconstruct the "-isms".</strong></li> </ul> <ul> <li>It is important to create and nurture an environment that allows for open dialogue in a safe space. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>As a health care provider there are critical steps that need to be taken: </li> </ul> <ul> <li style="list-style-type: none;"> <ul> <li>Appreciate and understand that we are all d