Racism in Medical Education: Time for change
Posted on February 26, 2025 by the Canadian Paediatric Society | Permalink
Topic(s): Advocacy, Antiracism, Professional education
Mark Awuku, MB, ChB, FRCPC, FGCP, LLD (Hon.) and Ming-Ka Chan, BSc, MD, MHPE, FRCPC, Co-chairs, CPS Antiracism in Medical Education Working Group
Racism in medical education is not just a theoretical problem—it affects real lives, from learners, educators and staff to the patients, caregivers and communities they serve. Despite efforts to promote social justice, systemic biases and barriers persist. How can we, as educators, advocates, and healthcare providers/learners, dismantle these inequities and build an antiracist future?
The Canadian Paediatric Society has developed a practical resource to guide educators in addressing racism and oppression in medical education. It is one of many ways we can start making a difference.
The challenge: Racism in medical education manifests in many ways, including:
- Underrepresentation of systemically minoritized groups among learners, staff, faculty and leaders.
- Curriculum bias that fails to or inadequately address cultural safety, cultural humility and culturally responsive and trauma-informed care.
- Implicit biases affecting diagnoses and care decisions.
These issues hinder learning and professional growth and perpetuate health disparities among patients and communities.
Steps toward antiracism in medical education:
- Acknowledge and reflect: Recognize the historical roots of racism and its impact on health care and education today.
- Build inclusive curricula: Ensure teaching and assessment materials reflect diverse experiences and address social determinants of health and adverse childhood experiences.
- Promote equity: Advocate for policies that create equitable opportunities for all learners, faculty, and staff.
- Commit to continuous learning: Understand that language and approaches to address racism and oppression evolve. Seek out and be open to feedback, and ready to adapt.
Why positionality matters: As educators, we must examine our own identities and privileges. Including a land acknowledgment or a positionality statement in our presentations can model reflection and commitment to truth and reconciliation as well as antiracism and antioppression
Addressing racism in medical education is an ongoing journey. By adopting an antiracist lens in our teaching, policies, and interactions, we can create a more equitable future where all can thrive. Explore the full CPS resource for detailed guidance and join us in this critical work.
What steps can you take today to challenge racism in your institution or practice? Share your thoughts, feedback and experiences with us at antiracism@cps.ca.
Dr. Awuku is a paediatrician in Windsor, Ontario, and a Professor of Paediatrics at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University. Dr. Chan is a paediatrician practicing in Manto Sipi and Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, and Professor of Pediatrics and Clinician Educator at the University of Manitoba. Her scholarship focuses on leadership education and social justice.
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The information on this blog should not be used as a substitute for medical care and advice. The views of blog writers do not necessarily represent the views of the Canadian Paediatric Society.
Le-racisme-dans-la-formation-medicale-lheure-est-au-changementLast updated: Sep 16, 2025