Racism in Medical Education

Racism remains a pervasive issue in society, infiltrating most sectors; including education. This article delves into the presence of racism in medical education, shedding light on the challenges faced by minority students, faculty, and staff. As the medical field strives for inclusivity and equality, it is crucial to address the systemic barriers that perpetuate discrimination and create an equitable learning and working environment.

The Manifestations of Racism

Racism within medical education and universities manifests in multiple ways.

• Firstly, racially insensitive curricula may fail to adequately address the health disparities experienced by marginalized communities. This can lead to inadequate training in culturally differing care, perpetuating racial inequities in healthcare outcomes.
• Secondly, discriminatory treatment by patients, peers and the public can create hostile environments, hindering the academic and professional growth of minority students and faculty members.
• Thirdly, inadvertent discriminatory towards patients has led some patients to perceive their treatment as substandard.

The medical school aim to expand the medical literature available to the students, alter the assessment materials such as case studies as well as teach the impacts of racism to raise awareness and educate students about minority ethnic groups.

The Impact of Racism

The impact of racism in medical education and universities is profound and far-reaching. Ethnic minority students may experience feelings of isolation and marginalisation, affecting their academic performance and overall well-being. Racism takes a toll on the mental health of students, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and burnout. Most mental illnesses are multifactorial, with racism being one of those impactful factors. One study found that the rates of illnesses like schizophrenia are much higher in black people living in the UK or USA than white people living the same country. The rate of schizophrenia of black people living in Africa was the same as white people living in the UK.

Moreover, the lack of diversity in medical education perpetuates health disparities. Studies have shown that patients from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds receive lower-quality healthcare compared to their white counterparts. This is partly due to a lack of cultural competence among healthcare providers, stemming from the inadequate exposure to diverse patient populations during training. By neglecting to address racism in medical education, it can create a self-fulfilling prophecy of overlooked minority health statistics.

Addressing Racism in Medical Education

To combat racism in medical education and universities, a multi-faceted approach is required. The University of Cambridge Clinical School has focused on three main areas that Cambridge University focused on: curriculum and assessment, staff development and student safety. For each area, there is a working group responsible for taking the work forward. The steering group meet regularly to gather the groups feedback. Each group is co-chaired by a student and a member of faculty to ensure students are involved and aware of the changes being made.

Creating safe spaces for dialogue and engagement is vital. Cambridge University have established diversity and inclusion committees that include representatives from diverse backgrounds. These committees can facilitate conversations on racism, organize cultural events, and implement policies promoting inclusivity. An example of their success was over 1000 students curating an open letter to the university to address not only the medical curricula at Cambridge but around the world. This perpetuated the universities movement towards a more inclusive curriculum and teaching materials.

The university developed Report and Support, clear access to reporting systems for students to report incidents they feel the university should be made aware of so they can support them and deal with it accordingly, furthering the case if needs be. This creates a safe space for students to seek help and support in instances where reporting it can be daunting.

Furthermore, the University created Health for All where students can propose new initiatives to promote inclusivity in medical education. They focus on not only racism but also other sources of inequalities in minority groups such as the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities. Cambridge University are also working on projects like Period Poverty, making sure that sanitary products are available free of charge in all of the colleges. All initiatives focus on inclusion, diversity, and equality in and around the University.

Racial and cultural competence training is incorporated into medical curricula. This training includes an exploration of health disparities, implicit bias, and strategies for providing culturally sensitive care. Promoting diversity in faculty and leadership positions is also crucial for creating inclusive environments. The students are taught in preclinical and clinical years about racism and the impact it can have during modules like improving health and social and ethical context of health. The teaching extends to the staff with courses on active bystander training, how to deal with racist comments or microaggressions from both staff and patients with minimal confrontation.

Conclusion

Racism in medical education and universities is a pressing issue that demands attention and action. By recognising the manifestations of racism, understanding its impact, and implementing comprehensive strategies, we can dismantle systemic barriers and foster an inclusive medical community. Embracing diversity, cultural competence, and equity will not only enhance the educational experience but also create a safe space for students to criticize and air their initiatives and they know the university will listen and make these important changes.