FEASIBILITY OF AN INTERACTIVE, ITERATIVE ZOOM-BASED ANTI-RACISM COURSE FOR ACADEMIC NEUROLOGY FACULTY.

BACKGROUND

While there has been increasing education on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for medical students and residents, neurology faculty are also in need of formal education on race and racism. The aim was to implement and evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and preliminary impact of an interactive Zoom-based anti-racism curriculum that was repeated in a new academic year to foster learning and discussion amongst neurology faculty.

METHODS

A Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion Curriculum (JEDI) was delivered to Brown University Neurology faculty during 2021-2022 and again in 2023-2024. The curriculum consisted of seven Zoom-based didactics sessions and group discussions led by institutional experts in DEI. A pre- and post-curriculum survey was sent to participants, assessing attitudes, interest, and knowledge about race and racism in medicine, confidence and comfort in addressing racism, curricular and departmental assessment, and feedback.

RESULTS

Most Brown Neurology faculty (n=36, 90%) participated in at least one session of the first round of implementation. Almost all faculty members endorsed the utility of an anti-racism education, and most reported continued interest. Participants reported increased concern regarding the use of race in medical algorithms as well as increased confidence in race-based discussions. This effect was most prominent among faculty members with less than ten years of experience. Qualitative data illustrated the faculty's awareness of racism in neurology as well as a need for continued anti-racism education. Repeating the curriculum was viewed favorably.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of academic neurology faculty at our institution recognize a need for an anti-racism curriculum. Interactive, zoom-based sessions are a feasible medium for education and fostering dialogue about race and racism. Repeating anti-racism education is helpful for medical academicians.