On this episode of the CMAJ Podcast, Dr. Blair Bigham and Dr. Mojola Omole discuss the heated debate over proposed updates to the CanMEDS framework. The controversy ignited when an interim report placed principles of equity, social justice, and anti-racism at the heart of the framework, rather than medical expertise.

Dr. Kannin Osei-Tutu, author of a commentary in CMAJ, proposes a new model for CanMEDS that places shared humanity and compassion at the centre. He argues that the current model of medical education and practice needs to be reimagined, as it has resulted in gross systemic inequities in health outcomes that urgently need to be addressed. He calls for expanding and enriching the concept of medical expertise to incorporate principles of inclusive compassion and social justice.

Dr. Philip Berger agrees on the need for healthcare to be free from bias, discrimination, systemic injustice, and racism but criticizes Dr. Osei-Tutu’s model and the interim CanMEDS revisions for not placing medical expertise at the centre of physician competency. Dr. Berger, a Toronto family physician and member of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, is noted for his long history of advocacy on behalf of marginalized groups. He argues that failing to place medical expertise at the centre of CanMEDS is a fatal flaw, as it undermines the credibility of physicians, thereby reducing their influence, which is essential for effective social justice advocacy. 

Throughout the discussion, the hosts and guests stress the importance of maintaining civil dialogue and prioritizing the improvement of healthcare outcomes for marginalized populations.

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