Medical gaslighting occurs when healthcare professionals dismiss or minimize a patient's symptoms, leading them to doubt their own experiences. This can result in delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment, as patients may feel their concerns are not taken seriously. This phenomenon can affect anyone but is particularly prevalent among marginalized groups, including women and people of color. It often stems from biases within the medical community, where certain symptoms may be overlooked or misattributed, causing significant distress and frustration for those seeking help.