Fewer Words, More Action: Cultivating an Anti-Racist Environment Strategies/Solutions (CARES) Framework for Physician Assistant Education

Abstract

The authors would like to thank Linwood Webb, BA, for his contributions, thoughts, and design of the CARES Framework graphic.

Meeting the Accreditation Standard for Diversity

“…20 Establishing diversity as a core value for the institution allows diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice to be integrated into decision-making processes and leadership development as well as educational experiences that confirm DEI as everyone's responsibility. 21 A specific model for PA education, the Cultivating Anti-Racist Environment and Strategies/Solution (CARES) Framework, 22 was designed, emphasizing elements similar to the AAMC and NADOHE models. Components of this framework include:…”

“…Practices that promote an inclusive culture and climate Leadership that challenges structural barriers An environment that provides social support and accountability Effective communications and performance metrics that monitor inclusive program structures 22 With an anti-racism framework in place, PA programs would be better equipped to facilitate a more diverse admissions process, in addition to being able to highlight a curricular structure built on an inclusive anti-racist culture.…”

“…A specific model for PA education, the Cultivating Anti-Racist Environment and Strategies/Solution (CARES) Framework, 22 was designed, emphasizing elements similar to the AAMC and NADOHE models. Components of this framework include:• Practices that promote an inclusive culture and climate• Leadership that challenges structural barriers• An environment that provides social support and accountability• Effective communications and performance metrics that monitor inclusive program structures 22 …”

How the COVID-19 Pandemic and Endemic Racial Injustice Have Affected Future and Current Physician Assistant Student Learners: The Need for Nationwide Awareness and Action

“…Previous works have also highlighted a lack of a sense of belonging and inclusion among BIPOC PA students and faculty. 6 While some programs have begun to focus on the recruitment of BIPOC PA students, faculty, and staff, they have neglected to ensure the inclusion and retention of these individuals.…”

The Importance of Acknowledging the Experiences of Racial/Ethnic Minoritized Physician Assistants/Associates

“…12 Collectively, the Cultivating an Anti-Racist Education Strategies/Solution Framework can be used as a guide to help institutional and PA program leaders create an environment on campus that encourages cultural sensitivity, cultural humility, cultural competence, and understanding among all faculty by evaluating the current situation to identify obstacles and aid with marginalized faculty at academic institutions. 13 This will require institutions and programs to acknowledge and analyze experiences that may have been painfully traumatic for individuals from racial/ethnic minoritized communities. 9,10 These efforts may overall raise morale, foster a feeling of value, and make individuals from racial/ethnic communities feel more included in meaningful conversations, which can reduce or prevent retraumatization as well as promote engagement, learning, health, and well-being for all.…”