Tuskegee as a History Lesson, Tuskegee as Metaphor: Addressing Discrimination as a Social Determinant of Health in the Classroom

Abstract

While basic science and social medicine are fundamental to the practice of medicine, the former is often prioritized in preclinical medical education at the expense of the latter. In this perspective, we discuss ways to introduce the concept of interpersonal, institutional and structural discrimination as social determinants of health (SDOH) into a preclinical microbiology and infectious diseases medical course. We offer five specific steps to creating a comprehensive curriculum on discrimination as a social determinant of health: define and use standardized terminology; integrate the concept of SDOH throughout the course; encourage critical appraisal of lay and medical resources; encourage student feedback; and provide faculty development supported by key faculty stakeholders that focuses on increasing comfort and facility with teaching such concepts. This approach offers a template for ongoing discussion in the setting of curricular reform.