Medical Students’ Reflections on Racism in German Healthcare and Its Alignment With National Data: A Qualitative Case Study Using the Example of Muslim Patients

Background Racism in the German healthcare system has received increasing attention, yet its integration into medical education remains limited. Systemic disparities continue to affect racially marked individuals and cultural minorities, underscoring the need to explore how these issues are perceived by future healthcare professionals. This study examines how medical students understand racism and intercultural competence in clinical settings, using the example of Muslim patient care, and compares their perspectives with national-level developments. Methods A qualitative case study was conducted with 65 medical students enrolled in an elective course on ethical aspects of caring for Muslim patients. Participants responded to open-ended questions regarding their motivations, clinical experiences, and educational goals. Responses were analyzed using structured qualitative content analysis (MAXQDA 24©, VERBI, 2024). Results Ten central themes emerged, including communication barriers, limited awareness of culture- and faith-specific practices, and the importance of individualized care. While racism and discrimination were acknowledged, they were addressed less frequently. The reflections aligned with broader observations on structural inequalities and the need for culturally sensitive care. Conclusion The findings reveal notable gaps in intercultural competence among future physicians, with implications for both clinical care and medical education. Students identified relevant challenges but lacked tools to address them confidently. Although preliminary, these results highlight the need to further integrate topics such as racism, religious diversity, and structural discrimination into medical training. Doing so may better prepare healthcare professionals to deliver equitable and patient-centered care in an increasingly diverse society.