Struggles and Tensions in Antiracism Education in Medical School: Lessons Learned

Abstract

Purpose Faculty from different racial and ethnic backgrounds developed and piloted an antiracism curriculum initially designed to help medical students work more effectively with patients of color. Learning objectives included developing stronger therapeutic relationships, addressing the effects of structural racism in the lives of patients, and mitigating racism in the medical encounter. Method The antiracism curriculum was delivered and evaluated in 2019 through focus groups and written input before and after each module. The process and outcome evaluation used a grounded theory approach. Results Three emergent themes reflect how medical students experienced the antiracism curriculum and inform recommendations for integrating an antiracism curriculum into future medical education. The themes are: 1) the differential needs and experiences of persons of color and Whites, 2) the need to address issues of racism within medical education as well as in medical care, and 3) the need for structures of accountability in medical education. Conclusions Medical educators must address racism in medical education before seeking to direct students to address it in medical practice.

The do’s, don’ts and don’t knows of redressing differential attainment related to race/ethnicity in medical schools

“…Biological conceptualizations of race, which are deeply embedded in medical education [ 99 ], contribute to institutional racism impacting on student learning, and ultimately racial health inequalities [ 99 , 170 ]. “Anti-racist” curricula shift teaching about race as a biological variable to that of a social construct, thus prompting explanations about health inequalities that focus on equity and discrimination rather than spurious genetic explanations [ 99 , 164 , 171 – 173 ]. There is the potential for anti-racist curricula to re-frame conceptions and misconceptions of race and racism, that impact on values, cultures and norms [ 163 ].…”

A Framework for Developing Antiracist Medical Educators and Practitioner–Scholars

“…22 In today's learning environment, antiracism education is expected to create an inclusive learning environment that engages communities while acknowledging discomfort, tension, and vulnerability when addressing issues centered on race. 8,23,24 When combined with a critical andragogy approach and culturally relevant and inclusive methodologies, antiracism education can serve as a tool to transform and equip faculty with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and empowerment to own their teaching, agency, and activism. 25 To successfully deliver antiracism education, faculty need professional development that is informed by the history and structure of racism so they can address the implicit and explicit biases that propagate racist ideology.…”

The time is now: Student‐driven implementation of social justice and anti‐racism focused curricula in medical scientist training program education

“…[6][7][8] Schools that have implemented social justice curricula have highlighted the importance of teaching students about these topics and shown that dedicated curricula can yield strategies to advance the conversation surrounding racism in healthcare. [9][10][11] In addition, many medical schools have released commitments to combat institutional racism in other ways beyond the curriculum, including community partnerships and creating inclusive environments for a diverse workforce. 12 Scientific journals have expressed similar commitments.…”