Dr. Aubrey J. Grant Addresses Implicit Bias in Medicine Through Technology

Subconscious feelings, stereotypes, and attitudes can impact healthcare delivery. What if there was a way to enter the shoes of individuals who experience implicit bias through use of an immersive virtual reality training experience?

That is exactly what Equity Commons helps to do. The company leverages innovative approaches, such as virtual reality and cutting-edge technology, while aiming to foster empathy among healthcare professionals. It helps them to understand and connect with patients from diverse backgrounds, according to Dr. Aubrey J. Grant, MD, FACC and Chief Equity Officer of Equity Commons.

“This not only improves the patient-provider relationship, but it also enhances the overall quality of care,” he added.

Whitney A. White, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, cofounded Equity Commons with Dr. Grant in 2018.

Dr. Grant, a Bowie, Maryland-based resident, also works as the Director of Sport & Performance Cardiology for Medstar Health. The sports cardiologist serves as a consultant to the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles and Washington Capitals, and he supports local colleges.

“I have a practice in Baltimore at the Union Memorial Hospital and in Washington, D.C., where I treat not only high-level athletes, but also individuals who are passionate about exercise and maintaining their health,” said Dr. Grant.

However, he possesses a special interest in addressing health inequities and frequently works in underserved communities to ensure that quality cardiovascular care is accessible to all. 

“Through my clinical practice, I aim to provide patient-centered, holistic care that is culturally aware and focused on improving the quality of life for my patients and the broader community,” Dr. Grant also said.

Dr. Grant further explained that he brings an empathetic, patient-centered approach to every interaction in his clinical practice.

“Throughout my medical career, I have witnessed the profound impact that genuine empathy and compassion can have on patients’ experiences and outcomes. This commitment to humanity is at the core of Equity Commons’ mission, where we strive to bring empathy back into medicine.”

With the assistance of a full team who works with the company, Equity Commons addresses implicit bias in medicine through comprehensive training programs. They are provided through innovative approaches, including virtual reality, to help healthcare professionals recognize and mitigate their biases. Services are utilized by healthcare institutions, medical professionals, and organizations that utilize corporate training to improve their approach to diversity and inclusion. A range of services are offered including empathy training, workshops, and consulting services to develop and implement equitable practices within healthcare settings.

“Clients use our training programs to gain a deeper understanding of their own biases and learn strategies to mitigate these biases in their professional practice. By incorporating evidence-based techniques and interactive sessions, we help medical professionals develop the skills necessary to provide more equitable care and improve patient outcomes,” said Dr. Grant.

He added, “Virtual reality and generative AI are among cutting-edge technology methods that are utilized to create immersive experiences that allow participants to explore and understand the impact of bias in real-world scenarios.

Both in-person and virtual services accommodate the diverse needs of Equity Commons’ clients. Flexibility ensures that high-quality training and consulting services are utilized, regardless of geographic location.

Dr. Grant’s interest in addressing implicit bias is rooted in his professional journey. He earned his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in 2016, followed by an Internal Medicine Residency at Emory University. Dr. Grant completed a cardiology fellowship at Georgetown University. Dr. Grant attended Harvard University, where he completed the nation’s only Sports Cardiology Fellowship, to pursue additional specialization.

Dr. Grant stated that his experience at Emory University had a significant influence on the creation of Equity Commons. 

“During my residency, I became acutely aware of the pervasive issues of implicit bias in medicine, and the impact these biases had on patient outcomes. This experience was a catalyst for my commitment to addressing health disparities and promoting equity in healthcare.”

Dr. Grant added that he lost his grandmother to her experiences with implicit bias in the healthcare system. 

“Physician and patient bias often reflect the landscape of our society, creating mistrust. However, in health, trust is critical,” he also asserted.

Dr. Grant hopes to create a significant impact on the healthcare system by fostering a culture of empathy and understanding through Equity Commons.  

“Our goal is to empower healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools to recognize and address biases, ultimately leading to better patient care and outcomes. By promoting health equity, we strive to contribute to a more just and effective healthcare system for all,” said Dr. Grant.

Learn more about Equity Commons via https://equity-commons.com.