Enhancing Curricula About Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice in Undergraduate Medical Education

Abstract

Curricula in medical education continue to evolve as societal demographics shift and medical innovation transforms the practice of medicine. The next generation of physicians must be well trained, prepared, and adept to provide health care to diverse patient populations. The last few years have witnessed increased awareness about racial and social injustice, with medical institutions acting swiftly to create and implement or enhance curricula about diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) including topics such as antiracism, bias, cultural humility and sensitivity, and health care disparities and inequities. In this review article, we highlight the incorporation of DEIJ into undergraduate medical education with a focus on the standards provided by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. We draw on examples of enacted and revised DEIJ curricula in medical education including student activism, clinical electives at pediatric residency programs targeting historically underrepresented in medicine (UIM) students, and community building for UIM students through participation in professional affinity organizations. The article also addresses current state legislation that could affect medical student learning about DEIJ and patient care. [ Pediatr Ann . 2023;52(7):e249–e255.]