Question

A 19-year-old First Nations university student presents with low mood, insomnia and difficulty engaging with health services after experiencing racism in the emergency department. As her family physician, which action best reflects the CanMEDS Communicator and Health Advocate roles in the context of Indigenous health?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge and validate her experience of racism, explore its impact on her health and collaborate on culturally safe supports, including Indigenous-led services if she wishes

Answer

Focus solely on prescribing an antidepressant and avoid discussing her experiences

Answer

Advise her that racism is a societal issue and not relevant to clinical care

Answer

Tell her that seeking Indigenous healers is incompatible with evidence-based medicine

Answer

Avoid documenting her concerns to keep the chart neutral

Practice question