A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine has uncovered alarming levels of antisemitism in the American healthcare system.

According to the study, conducted by StandWithUs’ Data & Analytics department, nearly 40% of Jewish healthcare professionals surveyed reported experiencing or witnessing antisemitism in their workplaces, while over 26% felt unsafe or threatened due to such incidents. Despite widespread anti-bias training in healthcare institutions, only 1.9% of respondents said these programs addressed antisemitism.

The study, titled Antisemitism in American Healthcare: A Survey Study of Reported Experiences, is the first of its kind to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. It surveyed 645 Jewish healthcare professionals, 74% of whom are physicians, representing professionals from 32 states.

“This study offers critical insights into the pervasiveness of antisemitism in our profession,” said Dr. Kelly Michelson, co-author and Director of the Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “It is imperative for medical institutions to incorporate training that confronts antisemitism to ensure the safety and inclusivity of all healthcare professionals.”

Dr. Alexandra Fishman, Founding Director of the StandWithUs Data & Analytics department, oversaw the study’s methodology and analysis. “It is deeply troubling when nearly 40% of respondents indicate that they have personally experienced or witnessed antisemitism in their places of work,” she said. “This resurgence of hatred and discrimination requires both further study and immediate action by leaders in the medical field.”

While the study is described as a pilot and acknowledges its limitations in fully representing Jewish healthcare professionals nationwide, its findings underscore the need for expanded research and systemic change.

Dr. Sheri Ross of PediaTrust, a co-author of the study, stressed the importance of addressing this issue. “Healthcare organizations have a moral imperative to create a zero-tolerance environment for any form of discrimination. The lack of attention given to antisemitism in anti-bias training is a glaring omission that must be rectified to protect both professionals and patients,” she said.

The authors urge healthcare organizations to expand existing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives to include education about antisemitism. This step, they argue, is critical to fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for all healthcare professionals.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)