Creating a culture of micro-affirmations to overcome gender-based micro-inequities in academic medicine

A woman physician meets with the department chairperson and colleagues to discuss her project ideas. The group agrees that they have transformative potential. The chairperson says to her in front of the group, “With your looks and my brain, we’ll be a great team.” Unable to muster a response to him, she laughs uncomfortably and changes the subject. Several weeks later, the physician presents a patient case at medical rounds. A new colleague mistakes her for a medical student and after realizing the mistake comments, “As a woman, you should be grateful to look so young!” As the physician’s career progresses, she finds herself questioning her ability to lead projects and defers applying for career opportunities because she feels underqualified.