Trainee Experience With Racial Affinity Caucusing.

Abstract

Racial affinity caucusing (RAC) is a tool wherein participants gather in self-identified racial groups to learn and share experiences around race and racism. While used in many settings, little is known about the experience when used in graduate medical education (GME). In this qualitative study, we explored graduate medical trainees' (resident/fellows) experiences participating in RAC. Participants recruited from a regional residency network participated in quarterly RAC during academic year 2021-2022. Of the 30 RAC (19 White, 11 Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color [BIPOC]) participants, 8 (1 White, 7 BIPOC; 27%) agreed to participate in our qualitative study and were interviewed by study team members who shared their BIPOC identity. We used a direct content analysis approach to analyze and compare interview transcripts. Key themes regarding their experience of RAC included having a safe space and a space for self-reflection. While our study was limited by its small sample size, results suggest that RAC can be an impactful tool for GME, particularly to address gaps in self-reflection and professional identity formation. Institutes should encourage RAC within their GME curriculum.