EP27 - Microaggressions in Medicine: The Triangle of Source, Recipient, and Bystander

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one._____________________________________What if a single comment could push a talented resident out of medicine—and how can we stop it?In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Dr. Tracy MacIntosh, as she shares eye-opening stories like an intern greeted with “I don’t want a doctor with an accent” and the hidden toll of repeated microaggressions: burnout, attrition, and even suicidal ideation. Drawing from surgical residency data and her own workshops, she introduces a simple triangle framework (source, recipient, bystander) plus scripted “I” statements to interrupt bias without escalating conflict. Dr. MacIntosh emphasizes curiosity over defense, grace for patients in pain, and anonymous reporting channels to prevent retaliation. The goal: retain diverse talent, improve patient trust, and create training environments where the work is hard—but never toxic. This episode equips physicians, residents, and teams with immediately actionable tools to foster respect, reduce burnout, and preserve the workforce we desperately need.Three Actionable Takeaways:Use “I” Statements to Respond, Not React: When bias strikes, start with curiosity: “I’m curious—why don’t you want a doctor who looks like me?” Practice one scripted response this week to stay calm and keep the dialogue open.Empower the Bystander: If you witness a microaggression, check in privately: “I saw what happened—are you okay? How can I support you?” One supportive conversation can break the isolation cycle.Build Reporting Safety Nets: Advocate for (or create) anonymous feedback channels in your program. Knowing retaliation isn’t a risk makes learners 10× more likely to speak up and protect their mental health.About the Show: Behind every procedure, every patient encounter, lies an untold story of conflict and negotiation. Scalpel and Sword, hosted by Dr. Lee Sharma—physician, mediator, and guide—invites listeners into the unseen battles and breakthroughs of modern medicine. With real conversations, human stories, and practical tools, this podcast empowers physicians to reclaim their voices, sharpen their skills, and wield their healing power with both precision and purpose.About the Guest:Dr. Tracy MacIntosh is the Associate Dean for Access, Belonging and Community Engagement at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. A Yale MD with master’s degrees in science and public health, she completed emergency medicine residency at Yale and became founding faculty for the UCF-HCA Florida Emergency Medicine Residency of Greater Orlando. Passionate about teaching and psychological safety, she develops workshops that give learners scripting and reporting tools to address bias without fear. Her work fights burnout and attrition while improving patient trust through diverse, respected teams.Email: [email protected] the Host:Dr. Lee Sharma is a gynecologist based in Auburn, AL, with over 30 years of clinical experience. She holds a Master’s in Conflict Resolution and is passionate about helping colleagues navigate workplace challenges and thrive through open conversations and practical tools.Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:📧 Email: [email protected]🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma  The Scalpel and Sword Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.