Medical Schools and Social Media: A Look at Their Role in Fighting Inequality

The Role of Medical Schools in Addressing Healthcare Inequities

Medical schools have a significant responsibility in tackling unfair treatment within the healthcare system. One effective way to promote social justice is through online discussions on social media platforms.

Critical Consciousness and Social Media

The concept of critical consciousness involves recognizing societal injustices and taking action against them. Researchers examined whether Canadian medical schools were applying this principle on X (formerly Twitter).

Findings from the Study

• Timeframe: March to June 2023
• Total Tweets Analyzed: 3442
• Tweets with Critical Consciousness: 554 (approximately 16%)

Key Topics and Observations

• Most Common Topic: Empowering marginalized groups
• Lack of Discussion: Intersectionality, which considers multiple forms of discrimination
• Language Used: Positive terms like "celebrate" and "recognize" to highlight equity-deserving individuals
• Missed Opportunity: Limited discussion on the role of medical schools in systemic power differences

The Importance of Deeper Conversations

Medical schools could leverage social media to engage in more profound discussions. By acknowledging their role in systemic issues, they can build trust with the public and contribute more effectively to social justice.