Using Reflection and a Systems-Based Approach to Foster Gender Inclusion.

Abstract: This article serves as a practical guide for physician assistant/physician associate (PA) educators regarding gender bias. Beginning with common language regarding bias, discrimination, and microaggressions, the work also illuminates the far-reaching consequences of pervasive gender bias in medicine and health science training. PA education is not immune to this problem, making mitigation critical. Next, the work integrates the concept of reflective practice and the use of a systematic approach to both assess bias in an individual work, class, course, curriculum, and program. Finally, the work provides strategies for mitigating bias through inclusive language and images via the use of an inclusive checklist, creating a positive quality improvement process for use by PA educators.