US, Canadian healthcare failing to address rising antisemitism since Oct. 7, review says

Since October 7, the number of antisemitism incidents in healthcare has risen markedly, yet fewer than 2% of surveyed institutions report including education about antisemitism in anti-discrimination training, according to a new peer-reviewed review titled "Anatomy of Antisemitism in Health Professions Education and Practice." The review, which draws on evidence from various countries, underscores the need to address antisemitism as a mainstream issue in anti-discrimination education across medicine, psychology, nursing, social work, and other health professions.

Recent surveys show that 88% of Jewish medical students and physicians in the US have reported experiencing antisemitism since October 7, compared to 40% before that date. Over 35% of them have personally faced antisemitic incidents, with around 30% encountering face-to-face antisemitism. Nearly 50% have been exposed to antisemitism on social media, and 21% in classes or seminars.

However, fewer than 2% of these medical students and physicians reported their institutions incorporating antisemitism education in anti-discrimination training.

In Canada, a survey of 1,000 Jewish medical professionals and students found that only 1% felt antisemitism was a severe problem before October 7, compared to 98% after. The review highlights recurring themes such as harassment, social isolation, exclusion, and hostility in healthcare settings, citing several high-profile cases. It also notes that the medical literature on antisemitism in healthcare professions has been significantly under-researched compared to other forms of discrimination.

The review stresses the urgent need for education, engagement, empathy, and enforcement. It emphasizes that medical professionals must ensure clinical and learning environments are free of bias and hate, as part of their ethical duty. The review also calls for improved editorial vigilance in medical/scientific journals to counter antisemitic anti-Israel bias and maintain journalistic integrity.

Dr. Hedy S Wald and Dr. Steven Roth, the authors of the report, urge healthcare leaders and policymakers to recognize the scale and scope of the problem and take necessary steps to address it.