Statement of Partnership and Humility: A Structural Intervention to Improve Equity and Justice in Medical Education.

Abstract

Problem: Due to generational exposure to the Black Lives Matter movement, other antibias social movements, and diverse peer advocacy groups, health professions students are often more knowledgeable than their teachers about ways in which systemic racism and bias have led to scientific inaccuracies that contribute to health inequities. However, traditional hierarchies and concerns about retaliation may limit educational communities from benefiting maximally from students' contributions.

Approach: In spring 2021, faculty and students at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, designed a structural innovation to engage faculty and students in partnership toward decreasing bias in medical education. This article discusses development and implementation of a Statement of Partnership and Humility (SPH) disclosure slide on which faculty members acknowledge consideration of potential teaching biases and invite student feedback.

Outcomes: The initial primary goal of the SPH slide was to increase faculty awareness and engagement in antibias topics; however, the unexpected dividends of decreasing faculty anxiety about receiving student feedback and promoting student engagement have proven equally powerful in promoting a healthy, inclusive learning environment.

Next steps: Next steps include gathering qualitative and quantitative data to elicit both faculty and student perspectives on the use of the SPH slide, particularly with regard to psychological safety and openness to feedback.