Commentary

The AMA’s Woke Litmus Test for Future Physicians

  • By Do No Harm Staff
  • February 2, 2023

The American Medical Association (AMA) promoted its January 28-29, 2023 “Physicians of the Future Summit” as an opportunity “to learn essential skills to become leaders in organized medicine.” So why did the summit help medical students “promot[e] equity”?

The opening speaker of the plenary session was Dr. Camara Phyllis Jones, who is “well-known for her allegories on race and racism.” Her presentation, Achieving Health Equity: Habits of Mind for Social Justice Warriors, promised to give medical students the skills and tools necessary “to navigate valuing and prioritizing social justice work.” Apparently, that’s essential for the physicians of the future.

Figure 1. Registration flyer for AMA’s “Physicians of the Future Summit” 2023.

She has written about this topic in other publications and has presented it in various venues. The “Dual Reality” allegory refers to the two-sided nature of the “open/closed” signs seen at restaurants everywhere. Dr. Jones claims that “racism creates two-sided signs in our society” and therefore, a dual reality. She states, “It is difficult for White people in the United States to recognize white privilege and racism.” How is this information helpful to medical students?

Figure 2. From “Actions and Allegories” by Dr. Camara P. Jones.

The AMA needs to return to its stated mission “to promote the art and science of medicine.” Leave the woke indoctrination out of professional development events for medical students – present and future alike.

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