Dealing with Discrimination | S6 Ep33

Creating an inclusive profession begins with the courage to recognize bias—even when it's difficult to see. As part of the Diversity and Inclusion series, this conversation explores how surgeons, allies, and leaders can foster environments where everyone feels heard, supported, and empowered to succeed. By encouraging open dialogue, practicing allyship, and creating psychological safety, each of us has the opportunity to strengthen the future of plastic surgery. Dr. Ash Patel welcomes Kavitha Ranganathan, MD, and Erica Sears, MD, for an honest and thoughtful conversation about recognizing, navigating, and responding to discrimination throughout a career in plastic surgery. Drawing from their experiences in residency, academic medicine, and leadership, they discuss the impact of implicit bias, the importance of mentorship and allyship, and practical ways individuals and organizations can create more inclusive professional environments where every surgeon has the opportunity to thrive. Topics Discussed Personal experiences with discrimination in training and practice Implicit bias, microaggressions, and unconscious assumptions The emotional and professional impact of discrimination Recognizing bias in ourselves and others The importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship Building psychologically safe learning and work environments Leadership's role in creating inclusive workplace cultures Navigating difficult conversations with empathy and respect Practical strategies for supporting colleagues experiencing discrimination Strengthening the specialty through inclusion and mutual respect Key Takeaways Recognizing bias is the first step toward meaningful change. Developing self-awareness and acknowledging unconscious assumptions creates opportunities for personal and professional growth. Allyship requires action. Supporting colleagues, advocating for equitable opportunities, and speaking up when appropriate help foster a culture where everyone feels valued. Inclusive leadership strengthens teams. Leaders who create psychologically safe environments encourage open communication, trust, collaboration, and professional development. There is no single "right" way to respond to discrimination. Each situation is unique, and thoughtful reflection, support from trusted colleagues, and continued dialogue can be just as important as responding in the moment. Creating a more inclusive profession is a shared responsibility. Small, intentional actions taken by individuals, mentors, institutions, and professional organizations collectively shape the future of plastic surgery. Bonus Resources The discussion highlights several organizations and initiatives that support mentorship, leadership development, and inclusion within plastic surgery. Women Plastic Surgeons (WPS) Project Implicit About Enhance Your Practice Enhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers. Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org.