LAUSR

Significance Disparities between Black and White Americans persist in medical treatment and health outcomes. One reason is that physicians sometimes implicitly favor White (over Black) patients. This paper presents results suggesting an approach for promoting more equitable interpersonal treatment during doctor–patient interactions. In our study, Black and White actors (“standardized patients” [SPs]) were trained to behave in an engaged or typical manner during appointments with unsuspecting doctors. When SPs were typical, doctors’ implicit racial bias was associated with racially biased interpersonal treatment. When SPs were engaged, however, doctors’ implicit bias had no effect on interpersonal treatment. These results suggest that patients who ask questions, advocate for themselves, and voice concerns or opinions can receive more fair-minded interpersonal treatment.