Towards Antiracism: Using Critical Race Theory as a Tool to Disrupt the Status Quo in Health Professions Education

Abstract

The use of words such as race, racism, antiracism, and antiracist has increased in health professions education (HPE). While the words are used more frequently, additional work is needed to demonstrate a commitment to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion in HPE. It is important that we contextualize these words, understand the connections between them, and use this information to implement sustainable actions to disrupt the status quo in HPE. Critical race theory is a tool to consider for this journey. In this commentary, the author provides an overview of key concepts ranging from race to critical race theory as a primer to the Research in Medical Education plenary.