Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges
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The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between manifestations of racism in medical school and subsequent changes in graduating medical students' intentions to practice in underserved or minority communities, compared with their attitudes and intentions at matriculation. ⋯ This study provides evidence that racism manifested at multiple levels in medical schools was associated with graduating students' decisions to provide care in high-need communities. Strategies to identify and eliminate structural racism and its manifestations in medical school are needed.
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To describe and evaluate an innovative research program supported by the National Institutes of Health, "Promoting Research Opportunities Fully-Prospective Academics Transforming Health" (PROF-PATH), designed to support medical students from groups underrepresented-in-medicine (URM) interested in pursuing academic careers. ⋯ An innovative program for URM medical students participating in mentored research was successful in supporting academic career interest and academic self-efficacy. Schools motivated to increase diversity in academic medicine should consider adapting PROF-PATH.
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By describing an instance of racial violence by a patient against a resident physician, the authors hope to stimulate further discussion by addressing three specific questions about managing racist patients: (1) How should the resident (or any level of trainee) respond to the immediate situation? (2) How should the unit respond to the event as a community? and (3) How should the institution (hospital and/or academic institution) respond to the event? The authors argue that responses to such incidents should acknowledge the history of structural racism in U. S. society and in medicine. The authors recommend an approach that names the racism directly while addressing the safety of the patient and the providers in the moment, supports those affected in the aftermath, and considers appropriate consequences for the perpetrators of violence.