Mitigating stereotypes and bias in professional identity formation for those with marginalized identities

Abstract

Pharmacists have many identities within the profession from medication experts, clinicians, educators, mentors, patient advocates, and more. It can be especially challenging for racially and ethnically minoritized persons (REMPs) to form a professional identity when they are surrounded by stereotypes and biases which are pervasive in the community, academia, and pharmacy practice settings. As pharmacist educators, preceptors, and mentors, it is important to create safer spaces that decrease stereotyping and biases for students so they may envision themselves thinking, acting, and feeling like a pharmacist. Here, literature on professional identity formation in underrepresented groups in the United States is reviewed to continue the conversation of creating safer spaces for underrepresented students as they develop their professional identity.