The everyday experiences of minorities in the health professions: 'Strange faces in the hallways'

Researchers, educators and professional bodies have argued that we need greater presence of underrepresented minority groups in the health professions to meet the needs of changing populations. Evidence shows minority health care professionals are more likely to work with marginalized populations, and minority patients are more likely to seek care from them, and be satisfied with that care. While numbers of minorities have slowly risen in the health professions, there are still significant problems of recruitment and retention. Little is known about the day-to-day experiences of minority individuals who do enter the health professions, experiences which may shape where and how they practice, how long they stay in the profession and the extent to which they may be able to fulfill the potential for reducing health inequities. This qualitative study will ask: How do members of minority groups experience working within the health professions in Canada? Thirty to 35 professionals will be interviewed from each of three health professions that differ in history, social status and degree of autonomy: medicine, nursing and occupational therapy. They will be from groups marginalized by race and ethnicity, Indigeneity, class, disability, and/or sexual/gender identity. Interviews will inquire about experiences of belonging and marginality, 'invisible work' such as deciding about disclosures, and strengths such as social networks, community relationships, values and beliefs, and connection with patients. This research will illuminate potential losses if efforts to increase diversity are not accompanied by efforts to reduce marginalization within the professions. It may inform the recruitment and retention of skilled health professionals, highlighting the resources minority group members bring to the professions as well as challenges they face. Ultimately, the results may help ensure that efforts to diversify health care reach their full potential.