CAN/LET’S was part of a focus group, hosted by the Medical Council of Canada (MCC), regarding their development of a new Examination Objective. They were seeking input from patients and health care professionals.
They stated: “Describing the attributes expected of medical graduates entering supervised practice in Canada, the MCC Objectives are the foundation for examination development. They may also be used by medical assessment organizations, medical educators and candidates preparing for the MCC examinations.
The development of the new objectives stems from the desire to continue to assess emerging social and environmental realities, and to address current gaps in medical education, regulation and practice in Canada.
The anticipated new objective will be on inclusive health care. [They sought] participants for a focus group who are:
- patients who have experienced health disparities based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability or other factors, or
- health care professionals who work with and advocate for patients experiencing health inequities.
During the focus group, CAN/LET’S’ representative spoke of the need to have more equitable health care that recognizes the effect of stigma, discrimination, bias, and oppression.
We shared how our members’ intersecting identities affected their access to health care. We gave examples of people with disabilities experiencing barriers to medical care, leading some to say that they have medical PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder).
We also commented on the need for culturally safe and respectful care for Indigenous people, including having the option to incorporate their traditional practices.
CAN/LET’S was glad to have the opportunity to provide the perspectives and experiences of our members for this important discussion. We were told that our “insight has been
invaluable in developing this objective”. Check out their website for more details.