In a groundbreaking initiative,Sorbonne University has introduced a course addressing “Differentiated Assistance,Discrimination,and Racism in Healthcare,” aimed at sixth-year medical students at the Saint-Antoine Hospital campus.This course, launched in December 2023, seeks to confront the often-overlooked issue of implicit racial biases that can influence medical treatment. Led by midwife and sociologist Priscille Sauvegrain alongside psychologist Racky Ka-sy, the program aims to educate future doctors on the mechanisms of prejudice and its impact on patient care.With the Hippocratic Oath emphasizing non-discrimination, this curriculum is a crucial step towards fostering a more equitable healthcare system in France, where discussions on such biases remain limited.
Q&A: Addressing implicit Bias in Healthcare Education at Sorbonne university
Editor (Time.news): Today, we’re delving into a critically importent advancement in medical education at Sorbonne University, where a new course focused on “Differentiated Assistance, Discrimination, and Racism in Healthcare” has been launched. Can you share the primary goals of this innovative course?
Priscille Sauvegrain (Midwife and Sociologist): The course was designed primarily to make future medical professionals aware of implicit racial biases that can impact patient care. We aim to provide sixth-year medical students wiht a comprehensive understanding of how prejudice can affect their clinical decisions and patient interactions.
Editor: This initiative highlights the crucial role of education in combating discrimination.Why is addressing implicit bias in healthcare particularly important now?
Racky Ka-sy (Psychologist): The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored existing disparities in healthcare,magnifying the need for a system that is equitable and accessible to all. Implicit biases often lead to unequal treatment, and educating future doctors on these issues is essential for fostering a healthcare habitat that adheres to the principles outlined in the Hippocratic Oath—particularly the commitment to non-discrimination.
Editor: Are there any specific components of the course that you believe will resonate most with the students?
Priscille Sauvegrain: Yes, the course includes interactive sessions where students can engage in role-playing scenarios that uncover biases in real-time.This practical approach helps them recognize their biases and understand the tangible effects these can have on patient care.
Editor: With implicit bias often being a sensitive subject, how do you prepare students for these discussions?
Racky Ka-sy: We create a safe environment for dialogue, encouraging open communication and self-reflection. By incorporating case studies and evidence-based research, we back our discussions with factual information, promoting a constructive rather than defensive mindset among participants.
Editor: what impact do you foresee this course having on the healthcare system in France?
Priscille Sauvegrain: I envision this course as the frist step in creating a ripple effect throughout the healthcare system. Graduates who are educated about these critical issues will bring a new outlook to patient care, fostering greater awareness and initiating broader conversations about racism and discrimination within the medical community.
Editor: As we consider the implications of this course,what practical advice would you offer to medical students concerning biases they may encounter in their careers?
Racky Ka-sy: I would advise students to continuously engage in self-education and seek feedback from peers and mentors. Actively reflecting on one’s own biases and staying informed about different cultural perspectives can greatly enhance their future practice.
Editor: Lastly,how does this program fit within the broader context of medical education reforms needed in today’s society?
Priscille Sauvegrain: This course aligns with a growing recognition that medical education must evolve to address societal issues more effectively. Incorporating topics like discrimination and healthcare disparities is crucial to developing compassionate, informed physicians who can advocate for equitable care.
This groundbreaking course at Sorbonne University represents a vital step forward in medical education, aiming to prepare a new generation of doctors to confront bias and foster a fairer healthcare system. By actively discussing and addressing implicit racial biases, these future health professionals can ensure that the Hippocratic Oath’s promise of non-discrimination becomes a reality for all patients.