Unpacking Implicit Bias (Part 1)

In the first installment of this two-part series on Getting2U, hosts Dante Gennaro and Peta-Gaye Tomlinson take a deep dive into the concept of implicit bias and its significant role in HIV prevention, care, and treatment. They are joined by Amy Jin Johnson, Executive Director of Project Implicit, to demystify how these subconscious thoughts form, why everyone experiences them, and what drove her to pursue this critical field. Together, they unpack how the brain relies on cognitive shortcuts and examine the exact point where these automatic mental pathways transform into harmful real-world impacts. This conversation moves beyond complex academic jargon to offer an accessible look at everyday psychology, tackling some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding human bias. The discussion explores whether these underlying assumptions can ever serve a practical purpose or if they require constant active management to keep in check. Healthcare professionals tuning in will gain a foundational understanding of their own mental patterns, setting the stage for actionable strategies in part two. If you have a topic you’d like us to discuss or want to share feedback, please email us at [email protected].