The research program of Sean Phelan, Ph.D., is focused on understanding the implications of stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination in regard to health and medical care for members of stigmatized, marginalized and minority groups. He is especially interested in unconscious cognitive processes and how they may influence the behavior of health care providers, including communication with patients and clinical decision-making.

The goal of Dr. Phelan's research is to develop interventions to help health care providers reduce the impact of unconscious bias and provide patient-centered, compassionate care. He is also investigating ways to provide patients with strategies for attaining high-quality care and reducing the impact of discrimination on health.