Drexel University College of Medicine (Drexel MED) now requires medical students to complete an “Antiracism in Healthcare” module, embedding social-justice ideology and Critical Race Theory (CRT) into their ethical training. The course presents race as a social construct and teaches that “structural, cultural, and individual racism” produce disparities — thus urging future doctors to “commit to being antiracist” in thought and action. Critics warn this represents a shift from patient-centered, science-based medicine toward identity-politics activism.
The Drexel module outlines a broad agenda: examine how historical and social injustices shape healthcare access and outcomes, recognize racial bias in treatment, and promote “social justice” as an ethical duty for medical professionals. The module includes sections titled “Medicine and the Myth of Race,” teaching that racial disparities stem largely from systemic oppression rather than biology or individual behavior.
Conservative critics and watchdog groups such as Do No Harm argue the module prioritizes ideological indoctrination over rigorous scientific training. They contend that molding doctors into social-justice advocates undercuts objective medical judgment and patient care.
The push for “antiracism” education at Drexel traces back to a 2021 grant from the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, which funded development of the module. Drexel leadership portrayed the module as necessary to prepare physicians to address health disparities and foster equitable patient care.
Opponents warn this ideological shift could erode patient trust, as medicine becomes entangled with race-based activism and social justice. They argue that ethical obligations must focus on individual patients — not demographic groups — and that political ideology has no place in clinical decision-making.
