BACKGROUND:
In Canada, anti-Black racism is frequently experienced within health systems, including in public health, resulting in poorer health outcomes.(1-3) Limited integration of anti-racist education focused on Black health in medical (including public health and preventative medicine) and public health training contributes to biased clinical encounters, unresponsive interventions, and mistrust in care.(4-8) This study generated evidence to inform policy recommendations supporting the integration of anti-racist education centered on Black health within Canadian public health training programs.

METHODS:
Focus groups were conducted with Black community members (N = 36), health system professionals, and trainees across Canada. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis to examine organizational- and system-level factors influencing the uptake of anti-racist competencies in medical and public health training and education. In parallel, a situational assessment survey was disseminated to key informants at accredited Canadian medical and public health programs to assess existing and planned institutional responses to addressing Black health in education and practice.

RESULTS:
Participants described anti-Black racism as embedded within Canadian health systems, operating at interpersonal (e.g., biased clinical encounters), institutional (e.g., limited anti-racist training and culturally affirming providers), and structural levels (e.g., enduring beliefs in race science among trainees). Gaps in curricula and institutional practices to support the integration of anti-racist education were widely identified.

CONCLUSIONS:
Findings underscore the need for a coordinated pan-Canadian approach to addressing anti-Black racism in medical and public health education. Sustained institutional commitment in implementing anti-racist pedagogy will be crucial to transforming public health practices and promoting health equity for Black communities.