Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Healthcare: Mandating a Medical Equity Course for Graduate Programs

Healthcare disparities persist due to systemic barriers such as socioeconomic inequality, discrimination, and limited access to care. This proposal emphasizes the need for local, state, and national reforms to address these inequities by prioritizing targeted policies and sustained efforts to ensure equal healthcare opportunities for all. The proposed solution mandates a medical equity course for all individuals enrolled in a graduate level healthcare institution. Key features on the course include: cultural competence, communication skills, historical context, and structural and social determinants. Included in the course are next steps given successful implantation and results. Fiscal impact will be different for various institutions, with an option to petition for state funding. The implementation of this course fosters respect for different communities within future healthcare providers.