In Situ Alum, Megan Clemens, critiques Physical Activity Guidelines in equity-focused medical education project

We’re proud to spotlight In Situ Research Group alumna Megan Clemens, who is making waves in medical education through her work with Beyond the Surface—a monthly newsletter that critically explores diversity and health equity in medicine.

As part of this initiative, Megan is helping to challenge the limitations of conventional clinical guidelines—many of which are historically based on research conducted primarily with Caucasian male populations. Each issue of Beyond the Surface is peer-reviewed by a field expert to ensure accuracy and relevance; for instance, the inaugural edition was reviewed by a staff dermatologist at Memorial University (MUN).

The latest August issue, led by Megan and her peers, takes a critical look at widely adopted physical activity recommendations—particularly the 150-minute weekly guideline endorsed by the World Health Organization and many national health bodies. The issue highlights the need for more inclusive and context-sensitive approaches, exploring alternatives such as the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines. Though currently underrepresented in medical education, these guidelines offer a more holistic and adaptable framework for promoting physical activity that better reflects the needs of diverse populations.

Megan’s work invites us to reflect on how we can move beyond one-size-fits-all recommendations and toward patient-centered, evidence-informed care that acknowledges a spectrum of lived experiences.

To learn more about the August issue of Beyond the Surface—an important read for anyone interested in rethinking the foundations of health education and practice: https://beyondthesurface-mun.my.canva.site/#not-one-size-fits-all-rethinking-physical-activity-guidelines