My thoughts about taking the Implicit Association Tests (IATs) initially were that the instructions seemed straightforward: just press certain keys in response to words or images. Yet once I started, I found myself mixing categories, revealing the automatic associations in my mind. Even though I consciously resist stereotypes, the test made me realize how deeply ingrained biases might lurk beneath my awareness.

In my case, I took both the Race IAT and Age IAT. Given how highly I value my race, I expected them to reflect my strong advocacy for African Americans. While that belief did appear, I also found I was quicker at pairing “White” with “Good.” Although I consciously champion Black communities, this result suggests lingering biases molded by social and media conditioning throughout my life.

The Age IAT pointed to a preference for youth over older adults, which surprised me. I’ve always believed in treating people of every age with respect. However, on reflection, I saw how society repeatedly glorifies youth, often labeling older individuals as outdated or less capable. Despite my conscious efforts to treat all ages equally, the test revealed how implicit attitudes remain, subtly shaping my responses in ways I might not fully recognize.

I link many of these biases to my childhood in a sundown town in Michigan. My family was the only Black family, often labeled “less than,” while white people were deemed superior. Although I’m now 52 and consciously reject those messages, remnants of that environment persist, causing me to associate positive words more readily with white individuals, as the test results confirm.

Ultimately, these IAT findings highlight the need for constant self-awareness about how past experiences shape our automatic reactions. Accepting that such biases persist is vital for real change. I can replace lingering biases with greater empathy and inclusivity by deliberately challenging assumptions and reflecting on how I interact with others. It’s not an easy process, but awareness is the first step toward a more equitable outlook. With intentional effort, I hope to foster genuine respect and fairness in all my relationships.

Implicit attitudes are subtle, often unconscious biases that can influence how healthcare providers perceive and treat their patients. When these attitudes involve race, ethnicity, or age, they may shape clinical decisions in ways that limit access to appropriate care. For instance, research shows that Black patients may receive lower doses of pain medication compared to White patients, driven partly by ingrained stereotypes about pain tolerance. Similarly, older adults can be overlooked for certain treatments when providers assume they are too fragile or less likely to benefit from aggressive interventions. These biases, even when unintentional, create disparities that undermine patient trust and lead to worse health outcomes.

It can be appropriate to consider a patient’s race or ethnicity in healthcare decisions when clear, evidence-based information shows that doing so can improve diagnosis, risk assessment, or treatment outcomes. For instance, some conditions like sickle cell disease in individuals of African or Mediterranean descent are more prevalent in certain populations due to genetic factors. In such cases, awareness of race or ethnicity may guide earlier screening or more targeted clinical evaluations.

At the same time, it is crucial to recognize that race is not solely (or even primarily) a biological determinant but also a social construct that influences health through factors like access to care, discrimination, and exposure to stress. Over relying on race or ethnicity can perpetuate stereotypes and potentially misdiagnose or overlook the true drivers of illness, such as social determinants of health or individual genetic differences.