Avoiding Unconscious Bias: The Importance and Impact of Letter Writing for Promotion and Recommendation (AWAEM- and AACEM-Sponsored)

This presentation covers two key areas: First, it demonstrates how to balance advocacy and authenticity in writing letters of recommendation using a step-by-step approach, including reviewing institutional processes, providing context, incorporating objective and subjective data, and offering a final recommendation. It also addresses unconscious bias, particularly its negative effects on women in academia, as outlined in the 2018 AAMC Statement on Gender Equity. The session explores how gender bias influences descriptions and offers strategies for mitigating it. Participants will learn to use a Gender Bias Calculator to identify bias in their letters. The speakers are experts in faculty development, promotions, and tenure processes.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this session, participants should be able to:
  • Discuss the fundamentals of writing a strong letter for a candidate seeking promotion;
  • Understand unconscious bias and one’s awareness of it;
  • Apply knowledge to mitigate unconscious bias in letters of recommendation for promotion;
  • Implement tools to check your own letters of recommendation for bias.

Presenters:

  • Amy E. Zosel, MD, MSCS
  • Mary Beth Phelan, MD
Authors

  • Amy E. Zosel, MD, MSCS

    Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals

    Dr. Zosel is a Full Professor of Emergency Medicine. She trained in emergency medicine (residency) at Northwestern University and then in medical toxicology (fellowship) at Denver Health’s Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center before joining the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) faculty in 2010. While a fellow, she earned a Master of Science in Clinical Sciences at the University of Colorado at Denver. Dr. Zosel is Chief of the Division of Medical Toxicology. She is chair emeritus of the MCW Council for Women’s Advocacy and is the current promotions and mentorship lead for the MCW EM women’s faculty council.

  • Mary Beth Phelan, MD

    Medical College of Wisconsin

    Dr. Mary Beth Phelan is a Full Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). She is a leader in faculty development and promotions and founded the chairs the EM Faculty Development and Promotions Committee and serves as Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Advancement. She is Chief of the Division of Ultrasound and Director of the Clinical Ultrasound Fellowship. Numerous awards include MCW Outstanding Faculty Service Award, the MCW Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award and the 2024 MCW Professionalism Award.

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