Given the Past, What Should Be Done to Ensure Equitable Outcomes in Healthcare?
The prevalence of medical bias in America has a long and problematic history. Issues like denial of consent and medical experimentation on marginalized communities have led many groups to be distrustful of the medical community. In addition, medical bias is linked to a range of negative health outcomes for Black and Brown communities. This all came to the surface during the COVID-19 pandemic as Black and Brown communities were disproportionality affected by the virus and questions arose on how to best serve them. Additional questions such as what is owed to communities of color who have experienced harm in healthcare spaces and how should the medical industry work towards building more positive relationships with people of color?
In the face of these questions, this inquiry provides middle school students with a range of historical and contemporary sources to contemplate possible solutions. These activities culminate in a challenge for students to take action and figure out the best solution for their state, local or national community.
Helpful Hints
- Historical Empathy
- When reading and discussing issues, encourage students to try taking the perspective of people from that time period when discussing point of view.
- Discussion Questions
- The discussion questions are the key element of the lessons. It is imperative that students discuss questions amongst themselves with the teacher acting as the facilitator. Please refer to guidelines on transactive discussion tips and techniques.
- Writing prompts
- Writing prompts are also key in reinforcing the new information and the discussion that has taken place. The prompts allow students to integrate the perspectives they have heard into a cohesive argument.
- Make sure students complete writing prompts even if it means assigning the prompt as homework.