Exploring the Professional Identity Formation of Racial/Ethnic Minoritized Physician Assistants

Robert L. Wooten, Chris Gillette*, Tasha R. Wyatt, Nicole Rockich-Winston, Sonia Crandall

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

IntroductionThe purpose of this article is to (1) describe how professional identity intersects with physician assistants' (PAs') and PA students' racial and ethnic identities and cultural backgrounds; (2) examine how sociohistorical contexts shape professional identity in racial/ethnic minoritized PAs and PA students; and (3) identify the role of PA program administrators and faculty to address the needs of racial/ethnic minoritized PAs and PA students.MethodsThis study draws on elements of constructivist grounded theory to investigate the professional identity formation (PIF) experiences of 45 PA students and alumni from 3 institutions. Participants were recruited using a snowball method and identified as 23 Black/African American, 12 Hispanic/Latino, 6 mixed race, and 4 Native American/Indigenous. Interview data were analyzed using sociocultural theory as an analytic framework.ResultsThe results suggest that participants felt that their racial/ethnic identity was an important part of their identity, yet many indicated they experienced frequent micro- and macroaggressions from fellow students, faculty, lecturers, administrators, preceptors, patients, and supervisors. Additionally, they indicated that they need more support from their programs than what is currently provided.DiscussionThe results of this study suggest that social experiences before, during, and after PA training strongly influence PIF development in racial/ethnic minoritized PAs. Administrators and professional PA organizations should evaluate methods to support those individuals who identify as a racial/ethnic minority throughout their careers.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)98-103
Number of pages6
JournalThe journal of physician assistant education : the official journal of the Physician Assistant Education Association
Volume34
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jun 2023
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Exploring the Professional Identity Formation of Racial/Ethnic Minoritized Physician Assistants'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this