Equity in Medicine

One of the most persistent challenges facing the field of medicine is that our institutions do not reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. This lack of diversity directly impacts young people who opt-out of careers in which they are not represented. Progress towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) will require us to address multiple long-standing barriers simultaneously. Stanford faculty on the frontlines leading efforts to promote DEI in medicine will visit our course to share their experiences with students. Faculty will discuss evidence-based strategies to navigate complex situations and obstacles related to DEI. Students will have the opportunity to seek guidance from Stanford faculty, will learn how to recognize, confront, and remediate unfair practices, as well as how to be an advocate for themselves and others. We will begin to build a community of peer supporters and find a safe space to discuss belonging in medicine. Students attend lectures and participate in a variety of interactive activities with near-peers and Stanford faculty. This course serves students who are interested in exploring future career paths in medicine, public health, health policy, and biomedical research.