Curiosity, Humility, and Accountability

Abstract

Health professions educators have the opportunity and responsibility to teach and stimulate scientific knowledge and curiosity in a context that eliminates bias towards minoritized communities and informs emerging understanding of race in research and healthcare. Through the key elements of curiosity, humility, and accountability, the authors propose methods to change the narrative that may otherwise perpetuate biases and inappropriate presentations of race as purely biological rather than a social construct. The evolution of scientific discovery has brought to question our understanding and teaching of race in health, clinical decision-making, and health outcomes. Through case presentations, the authors invite the reader to reflect on their teaching materials and apply methods to 1) decrease bias in case presentations and 2) explain racial health disparities in the context of longstanding structural racism. A Q&A section will draw on resources to advance health equity in health professions education.