Educational experiences of health professionals from marginalized groups: “It definitely takes more work”

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Post-secondary institutions are increasingly promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in health professions education. Yet, institutions continue to be spaces of exclusion and marginalization for health professional students from marginalized groups. Purpose To explore the education experiences of health professionals from marginalized groups in Canada. Methods We draw on a subset of data from a larger qualitative study examining experiences of health professionals who self-identify as disabled, working-class origin, racialized, ethnic minority, and/or minority sexual/gender identity (LGBTQ+). This analysis includes 35 participants from medicine, nursing, and occupational therapy. Results We identified five main themes: 1) isolation, being the “only one”; 2) normative curricula; 3) marginalization by classmates and instructors; 4) exclusionary social and cultural capital; and 5) coping strategies. Conclusion Learners from marginalized groups are still experiencing marginalization in health professional education, despite institutional commitments to EDI. An overhaul of professional education is needed to address exclusionary processes.