The New England Journal of Medicine has been slammed after calling for racially-segregated classes.
The academic paper was published by the highly regarded journal on April 27 and features doctors, students and seven academics at the University of California, San Francisco, US.
In the journal, controversial "new approaches" to teaching were outlined which included dividing students based on the colour of their skin.
The authors wrote: "The approach tailors areas of focus to each identity group to supplement and differentiate the education received in racially integrated spaces, enabling participants to progress more effectively through the next stages of learning."
The article went onto claim segregating students "as part of a broader antiracism and antioppression curriculum" allows different groups to discuss their own experiences without fear.
"Founded on legacies of colonialism and racism, medical education has historically centred White learners and continues to perpetuate structural racism," the authors write.
"Pedagogical approaches often centre White learners and ignore the differential impact of content on BIPOC learners (Black, Indigenous, or people of colour) with personal experiences of racism that are nuanced and have been informed by interactions and observations over their lifetimes."
The academics argue that for black people to study alongside white students can "be retraumatizing, resulting in imposter syndrome, heightened anxiety, and a reduced sense of belonging."
In addition, black medical students may "'have been socialized to care for the egos of White people, to express their emotions only in ways that are palatable to White audiences, and to tread lightly around 'White fragility' (White people's discomfort and defensiveness regarding their legacy of racism and complicity in systems of inequality) in order to maintain their relationships, professional status, and safety."
The authors added white people could be taught alone so they can "be held accountable without burdening or retraumatizing BIPOC colleagues who are affected by racism."
The journal also states that by having whites-only classes, white people can "learn to be thoughtful allies who are less dominating in integrated spaces", and "revaluate their own internalized racism and sense of superiority that can obstruct antiracist commitment and action."
Dr Stanley Goldfarb, from the Do No Harm activist group, has launched a petition calling on the Journal to "apologize for running such an illiberal and extremist article".
He said the "morally abhorrent" idea was likely to face legal challenges.
Dr Goldfarb wrote: "'It is difficult to understand how such offensive language made it past the gatekeepers of this prestigious institution.
"In these same pages, authors and editors have been covering the unprecedented exodus of physicians and other staff leaving the clinical profession due to demoralization, burnout, and toxic work environments.
"Have you considered the possibility that divisive and highly politicized pieces such as this might be worsening this crisis, in addition to moving medical education toward segregation?"
