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

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.