Accepted Type
Oral
Code
OC1-1-2
Acceptance Declaration
Accept
Additional Information
I declare I have no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this program.
Was this work accepted for CCME 2020?
no
Category
General Call (Workshop, Oral Presentation, Poster Presentation)
Type
Oral
Sub Type
Education Research
Will the presenter be a:
Jr. Faculty (less than 5 years in practice)
Affiliation
Considered for Poster
no
Title
Actions speak louder than words: A critical discourse analysis of anti-racism statements released by medical schools and organizations
Length of Presentation
Background/Purpose
In the context of increasing attention to anti-racism in medical education, several organizations responded to the murder of George Floyd with public statements. Although this response is encouraging, a deeper exploration of anti-racist discourse may improve our understanding on how to address anti-racism in a meaningful and sustainable way. This aim of this study was to critically examine this discourse.
Methods
A three-dimensional model for critical discourse analysis (Fairclough, 2013) was used to examine 45 statements released by medical schools and organizations in Canada in the United States.
Results
Discourse varied across geographic and organizational contexts. While some statements included an explicit focus on anti-Black racism and racial injustices in society, healthcare, and medical education, conflicting messages were prevalent across the statements. Statements often centred previous efforts within the institution rather than outlining future action to promote racial justice at an institutional level. While racism was described as systemic, statements commonly articulated recommendations at an individual level (e.g., self-education). Only three statements stated the phrase "Black Lives Matter". Statements acknowledged the trauma and grief experienced by racialized members at their institution without offering resources or supports to them. A common message was "we're listening and learning" - yet no mechanisms provided for individuals to be heard.
Conclusion
Despite any well intentions, the vast majority public statements released by medical schools and organizations lacked critical introspection and actionable steps towards anti-racism. Findings suggest the need for concern about the potentially performative nature of academic medicine's efforts to promote racial justice.
Keyword 1
racism
Keyword 2
accountability
Keyword 3
justice
Level of Training
General
Abstract Themes
Other
Additional Theme (First choice)
Physician & Medical Student Health and Well-being
Additional Theme (Second Choice)
Additional Theme (Third Choice)
Authors
Presenter
Allison Brown
Term 1
Yes
Term 2
Yes
Term 3
Yes
Term 4
Yes
Term 5
Yes
