University of Wisconsin–Madison Medical College of Wisconsin

Race Matters: Addressing Racism as a Health Issue

Bryan Johnston, MD; Veneshia McKinney-Whitson, MD; Camille Garrison, MD

WMJ. 2021;120(Suppl 1):S74-77.

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ABSTRACT

Background: Racial health disparities in Wisconsin are profound. Racism occurring within the health care field contributes to disparities. Anti-racist education was identified as a need at 2 family medicine residency programs in urban Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Methods: A 3-hour program was developed and performed 3 times over 3 years, engaging around 100 participants at 2 residency programs.

Results: Thirty-five post-program surveys were completed. Respondents indicated improvement in knowledge, attitude, and awareness of anti-racist health concepts.

Discussion: The program established a baseline from which to develop anti-racist health care providers. Presenters reflect on the importance of addressing racism as a health issue, getting to know the community served, supporting team members of Color to thrive, and for health care institutions to address racism in an intentional manner.


Author Affiliations: Department of Family and Community Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wis (Johnston, McKinney-Whitson, Garrison).
Corresponding Author: Bryan Johnston, MD, All Saints Family Care Center, 2400 W Villard Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53209; email bjohnston@mcw.edu; ORCID ID 0000-0002-2521-6989.
Funding/Support: None declared.
Financial Disclosures: None declared.
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