Publications | Disparities & Inequities

Key Takeaways: This study examines the causal relationship between racial residential segregation and infant health outcomes in the U.S., using 19th-century railroad divisions as an instrumental variable. Findings reveal that segregation significantly worsens outcomes for Black infants, including higher risks of low birth weight, preterm birth, and restricted fetal growth. Mechanisms include reduced access to prenatal care, increased food insecurity, and heightened exposure to anti-Black prejudice. White infants were not similarly affected, highlighting segregation’s disproportionate burden on Black communities. These results underscore the role of structural racism in perpetuating health disparities and the need for targeted policy interventions​​.

Lab Authors:
Dr. Tiffany Green 
Dr. Laura Swan

Key Takeaways: This systematic review evaluates 77 studies on implicit bias training for healthcare providers and trainees, highlighting significant gaps in methodology and effectiveness. Most trainings targeted racial/ethnic biases using a mix of didactic and hands-on approaches but often failed to define or address implicit stereotypes specifically. Despite increasing adoption, the review found little evidence that these programs result in long-term behavioral changes or improved patient outcomes. The findings emphasize the need for standardized, evidence-based designs, rigorous evaluations, and focus on measurable outcomes to ensure meaningful impacts on healthcare equity​​.

Lab Author:
Dr. Tiffany Green 

Key Takeaways: This study used data from Harvard’s Project Implicit to evaluate implicit and explicit racial prejudice among medical professionals. Results revealed higher levels of implicit anti-Black and anti-Arab-Muslim prejudice among physicians and non-physician healthcare workers compared to the general population. However, these differences diminished for physicians after controlling for demographics but remained significant for non-physician workers. The findings emphasize systemic racism’s role in healthcare disparities, urging targeted interventions to reduce prejudice and improve equity in patient care. These insights are critical for enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in medical education and practice​​.

Lab Authors:
Dr. Tiffany Green 
Dr. Laura Swan