Yes, I know its an awkward subject and no, this is not an attack. I think that most people misunderstand WHY privilege needs to be discussed, its not meant to make you feel shame for what you have in your life. Privilege is an important subject to discuss when dealing with equity especially health inequities that can arise due to the circumstances outside of yours and anyone's control. I really encourage you all to watch the video below which allows for privilege to be explained but in a easy to understand way. So why is privilege important in health equity? Our challenge is to SEE unearned privilege in our lives so we can eliminate health inequity by leveling the playing field.
To bring this to a more personal level, being medical students (in general) we are usually more privileged than the average person. If I were to answer the video above, I can attest that all the statements apply to me - I've lived a privileged life that has allowed me to be comfortable and follow my dreams without struggling for food, money, shelter, or wondering how I would pay for my university education. I realize that not every medical student is like that but it's important that I realize that a vast majority of students who are able to pursue third level/post-secondary education did have a slight advantage. I'm not saying that I did not have my struggles or those who are privileged have no problems in their lives but opening our eyes to the problems with the system can hopefully allow us to think of solutions to health inequity. We need to actively create an organizational culture that routinely welcomes the challenge against privilege and oppression (in a systematic sense rather than individuals attacking individuals). Charleen Salmon is a 1st year student in GEMS at the University of Limerick
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CaesuraRotating views on various subjects concerning health (in)equity Health Equity NutSome streams of consciousness on the subjects of the tragic and the mundane. Archives
February 2021
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