Patterns of Ostracism Experienced by Canadian Medical Trainees of Asian Sub-ethnicities.

Abstract

Phenomenon: Ostracism has negative effects on one's fundamental needs. North Americans of Asian ethnicities are at an increased risk of ostracism due to stereotypes labeling them as inherently different to Western cultural norms. We explored Asian Canadian medical trainees' experiences with ostracism during their clinical training. Approach: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 medical trainees of Asian ethnicities at 3 Canadian medical schools to explore experiences of ostracism and conducted a thematic analysis guided by the theoretical framework of the temporal need threat model of ostracism. Findings: Participants from East-, South-, and Southeast-Asian sub-ethnic groups completed the study. They voiced experiences of being excluded from clinical and social settings. Ostracism was mainly fueled by systemic racism, power dynamics in medical education, and non-diverse training environments. The model minority myth was a significant contributor to experiences of ostracism. Trainees felt their well-being threatened and many felt resigned to accept ostracism going forward. Insights: Ostracism poses a significant threat to the wellbeing and career progression of Asian Canadian medical trainees. Trainees facing covert ostracism were particularly at risk of entering the resignation stage of hopelessness. This underrecognized problem needs to be addressed by institutions to dismantle harmful stereotypes and prejudiced practices facing these minoritized communities.