Hiding in plain sight: eating disorders in diverse populations - a case for comprehensive medical education

Our findings suggest concerning gaps in knowledge and confidence among resident physicians with regard to the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders, particularly in racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minoritized patients. Moreover, responses to vignette-like questions indicate significant homogeneity in respondents' perceptions of the clinical presentation of eating disorders, reflecting cultural biases which associate eating disorders with underweight, young, female patients. The majority did not feel competent in treating eating disorders in diverse populations and expressed desire for additional training in this area. More research is needed to better understand and address these gaps in eating disorder training, with the goal of increasing equity in patient outcomes.