Rida Qureshi
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Research Mentor(s): Elizabeth Viglianti
Co-Presenter:
Research Mentor School/College/Department: / Medicine
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: Session 1 – 10am – 10:50am
Room: League Ballroom
Authors:
Presenter: 56
Abstract
Letters of recommendation may carry inherent bias that can be overlooked in the recruitment process. This research strives to determine what letters of recommendation truly look like in the field of pulmonary and critical care medicine. It is meant to identify any potential differences in letters of recommendation based on an applicant’s identity. If differences that cause bias are found, the goal would be to shift toward emphasizing other aspects of an applicant’s application. Currently, this study is in the initial process of de-identifying the letters so that the letters will eventually be ready for analysis. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the data will involve comparing deidentified letters and identifying any differences in various aspects of the letters. For example, differences in adjectives used to describe applicants will be noted as evidence for bias based on the applicant’s demographics, medical school credentials, and the position of the letter writer. When results are available, any significant differences may indicate the need to emphasize or even completely get rid of letters of recommendation from an applicant’s application to ensure a more accurate overview of their true merit. Applicants applying to the field of pulmonary/ critical care medicine may benefit since this study aims to ensure their letters of recommendation truly portray their capabilities and character in a way that does not contain identity based bias.
Biomedical Sciences
