Be the Change

Be the change that you wish to see in the world. —Mahatma Gandhi

As the family of family medicine, we are here for such a time as this. During this unprecedented year, I have had multiple conversations about the continued tragic displays of racial injustice and police brutality, including conversations with resident physicians and students who seek to be proactive, not reactive, and engaged leaders in the process of meaningful antiracism change. I applaud Drs Ehrman-Dupre and Moyer for answering the call to action and taking the lead in their program and community to dismantle structural racism, drive social justice, and advance equity. They have provided a model that can inspire others to action in residency programs and departments across the country. The key word is “action.” Inaction and silence are no longer an option.

The actions proposed are an impressive framework for others to follow and build upon: building social justice/antioppression curriculum; providing education and training for residents to incorporate patient screenings centered on social determinants of health and racism in the exam room; prioritizing underrepresented in medicine (URM) recruitment of faculty and residents; and building partnerships with community organizations engaged in addressing these efforts. I am eager to see their progress as they measure their goals and objectives and look forward to continued dissemination. I urge us all to follow the authors’ lead in our own programs, departments, and communities and to “be the change.” Thank you, Drs Ehrman-Dupre and Moyer.