Advancing Health Equity: A Guide to Language, Narrative and Concepts

This document was created by the American Medical Association and the Association of American Medical Colleges - Center for Health Justice. It recognizes that language evolves, and are mindful that context always matters. This guide is not and cannot be a check list of correct answers. Instead, it is meant as a guide that will stimulate critical thinking about language, narrative and concepts-helping readers to identify harmful phrasing in their own work and providing alternatives that move us toward racial justice and health equity. In Part 1, there is a guidance on language for promoting health equity, contrasting traditional/outdated terms with equity-focused alternatives. In Part 2, there are narratives (the power behind words) as they matter. Lastly, in Part 3, there is a glossary of key terms, defining key concepts, and whenever possible acknowledging debates over definitions and usage.

American Medical Association and Association of American Medical Colleges. (2021)