Combating racism in medical education: Problems, definitions, principles and practical steps

Abstract

Racism remains a significant issue in the medical field, profoundly affecting minority medical students. These students face unique challenges — including microaggressions, implicit biases, systemic barriers, and overt discrimination — impacting their education, mental health, career trajectories, and ability to provide compassionate care. Despite some progress, structural obstacles and underrepresentation persist, highlighting the need for systemic changes. This viewpoint paper explores definitions, principles, and practical steps for fostering antiracist cultures within medical education. It emphasizes the importance of developing self-advocacy, building support networks, and practicing continuous learning for minority students, while advocating for institutional strategies such as creating inclusive spaces, mentorship programs, curriculum reform, and financial support. By combining personal resilience with unwavering institutional support, medical education can move towards true equity and inclusion, ensuring that all students can thrive and contribute to a more equitable healthcare system.