A survey on racism in Saskatchewan’s medical profession has revealed a need to raise awareness among physicians about the support programs that are available to them if they are affected by racism in the workplace.

“The survey showed that racism is a widespread concern among physicians and medical learners at all levels and in all regions and practice settings, yet many physicians did not know about Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA) support programs and anti-racism initiatives,” said Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka, SMA Physician Advocate, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).

“Only half of respondents reported they are aware of these resources, and only one in three know about SMA policies to prevent or address racism,” Dr. Ndubuka continued. “There is a clear need to communicate to physicians that these SMA programs and tools have been created and are available to them.”

Close to 500 Saskatchewan physicians, residents, and medical students responded to the survey, which was circulated in fall 2023. It was conducted jointly by the SMA and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CPSS). Dr. Ndubuka and Dr. Dapo Mabadeje, Chair of the CPSS’s Diversity and Bias Committee, presented the survey findings at the SMA’s 2024 Fall Representative Assembly.

Click here to see the Racism in Medicine survey report.

Almost half of respondents reported experiencing racism in their careers or training in Saskatchewan, while three-quarters of those who experienced racism were visible minorities. Experiences of racism were reported to have occurred in a variety of settings and across interactions involving patients and their family members, physician colleagues, and leadership.

Two-thirds of respondents witnessed or were aware of racism in the health care system, while 75% reported that racism is sometimes or always observed.

However, awareness of support programs was low, with many relying on personal networks instead of formal support.

Only 14% of respondents reported incidents of racism through a formal reporting mechanism at work, such as to their supervisor, department head or human resources. Almost three-quarters of those who reported the racism they experienced were not satisfied with the outcome of the formal reporting process.

Respondents were more likely to connect with their friends, spouses/partners and colleagues compared to programs such as the SMA’s Physician Health Program or the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Employee and Family Assistance Program.

“These findings are troubling,” Dr Ndubuka said. “We must address them. We must support physicians and medical learners who experience racism and let them know we are there for them.”

The SMA has undertaken several initiatives to educate members on racism and other issues related to equity, diversity, and inclusion:

• Dr. Ndubuka works with the SMA’s in-house Workplace Wellbeing Teams to support those who have experienced not only racism, but discrimination and conflict within their workplace.
  
  
• The SMA has established reporting guidelines and tools to enable members to report incidents or concerns about EDI, including racism. The reporting mechanism is confidential. The SMA works with affected members to address their concerns.
  
  
• Physicians can turn to the SMA’s Physician Health Program, which assists physicians and medical learners who may be struggling with issues such as mental health, relationship issues (professional and personal), and work concerns.

The survey findings will play a crucial role in shaping a healthcare system that value diversity and respects individual rights, Dr. Ndubuka said. Physicians and medical learners want to be heard and to share their experiences with racism in the hope that attitudes, behaviours, and systems will change.

“There is no place for racism in the health system or the medical profession,” he said. “We must do all we can to stamp out racism and racist behaviors.”