Table 1 Codes and illustrative comments from interviews
From: Why do some physicians choose to tackle inequities in healthcare?
Code | Illustrative comments |
|---|---|
↑awareness through formal education | “…As an undergraduate student, I majored in cultural anthropology… involved in social justice, to address disparities and inequities.” “…I became aware of inequities during my undergraduate medical education and through clinical experience…” |
↑awareness through career prior to medicine | “…Prior to my career in medicine, I worked as a nurse in an outpost station…where many patients were from First Nations reserves.” “…Before I started medical school, I volunteered in developing countries, where I saw that poverty leads to bad health.” |
limited time | “…My biggest barrier is lack of time and lack of mentors” “… I have done an elective to increase exposure to vulnerable populations, but ultimately a lack of time is a barrier…” “… lack of time to advocate for individual patients…” |
lack of procedural knowledge | “… No one to tell about parking cost affecting patients, so I try to find a solution myself … but can’t do that for every patient.” |
lack of mentorship | “… besides lack of time, I am not aware of what others are doing.” “… I don’t know what [projects are] going on…” “…My biggest barrier is lack of time and lack of mentors” |
system support | “… the Dean is supportive of my work.” “… the administration is supportive of my volunteer work.” “…and funding from [the University] to enable me to travel and work…” “…I am in a unique position to practice medicine and work with the AHS (Alberta Health Services) to advocate for Indigenous health.” |