At the Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), the Community Health Course (CHC) is shaping the next generation of doctors by focusing on the vital issue of racism in healthcare. This innovative program trains first-year medical students to serve diverse communities, including those affected by racial and ethnic disparities and socioeconomic disadvantages. By combining real-world community service with academic learning, the CHC empowers students to recognize and address the impact of racism on public health.
Through lectures, educational games, and videos, students explore the social determinants of health and the crucial role cultural competence plays in patient care. The course’s hands-on approach includes community assessments and interventions, helping students connect with people in need while learning to combat unconscious bias. Evaluations and assignments ensure students reflect on their own biases and how these can affect their medical practice.
As racism continues to influence health outcomes in the United States, medical education must adapt. The CHC’s approach serves as a model for how early exposure to these issues can help future doctors build more equitable and compassionate practices. The goal is simple but powerful: train physicians who not only understand the barriers minority communities face but are also equipped to dismantle them, ensuring better healthcare for everyone.
In today’s world, where health disparities continue to grow, programs like the CHC are essential. By addressing the roots of racism in healthcare, we can inspire a generation of doctors committed to making a real difference.
