The Impact of Racism and Discrimination in Medicine
Dr. David Peck was the first Black medical school graduate.
It’s been over 175 years since Dr. David Peck graduated from Rush Medical School in Chicago. Still, the legacy of his accomplishment starkly contrasts the pervasive racism and discrimination that persists within the medical community today. Even the school from which he graduated still bears the name of Benjamin Rush, a white man who firmly believed that the disease of leprosy caused the blackness in skin color. This is just one example of how deeply embedded racism and discrimination remain in medicine, perpetuating disparities throughout the field. Let’s take a closer look at why this is happening—and what can be done to end it.
Why Does Medicine Reject Blackness?
I asked myself this question after a recent medical podcast episode in which the host was a white woman, and the guest, a white man, was deemed the disruptor of DEI. The whole conversation was about inclusion, specifically of the black community. Yet, no Black person is included in the conversation. The episode stuck with me because I believe it lays bare the notion that Blacks in medicine are still ignored, even when they are the topic of conversation. The reason for this lies in systemic racism. Racism is more than just individual biases or prejudices; it’s an institutional framework that has been built upon centuries of oppression and exploitation. This system has created an environment where people of color are systematically excluded from access to resources and opportunities, including those related to healthcare. This means that even when black doctors have achieved success and recognition, they often face numerous obstacles due to their race, such as being passed over for promotions or not having their research taken seriously.
What Impact Does That Have on Blacks in Medicine?
Discrimination in medicine has a devastating impact on black doctors and black patients seeking care. For example, studies have shown that black patients are less likely to receive adequate care than white patients due to implicit bias—the unconscious attitudes we all carry about certain groups of people—among healthcare providers. This bias can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatments, resulting in poorer health outcomes for black patients overall. On top of this, many black doctors struggle with burnout due to racist comments or assumptions made by colleagues or supervisors, leading them to leave the field altogether or switch specialties altogether.
How Can We Better Support Black Doctors in Training?
Supporting Black doctors in training requires acknowledging and addressing the systemic barriers and discrimination they face in the medical field. This can be achieved by providing mentorship and sponsorship opportunities, creating inclusive learning environments, and implementing anti-racism training for all medical staff. It is also important to provide financial and emotional support to Black medical students and residents, who often carry the burden of debt and stress from navigating a system that was not designed for their success. Additionally, healthcare organizations can work to increase diversity in leadership positions and ensure that Black doctors have equal access to opportunities for advancement and professional growth. By taking these steps, we can work towards creating a more equitable and supportive environment for Black doctors in training and help to dismantle the systemic oppression they face.
The Sharp Index is endlessly devoted to understanding and serving the unique needs of underrepresented students in medicine. Not only do they face issues of implicit bias in training and healthcare, but they also struggle with significant financial burdens, which can take a toll on their mental and physical health. That's why the Sharp Index works energetically to ensure access to medical school is more affordable through scholarships and other forms of support. We recognize these challenges require considerable effort and refuse to be complacent. To that end, we commit ourselves to provide additional resources for those struggling citizens during their training period who may otherwise find it difficult to pursue this valuable profession. This is how we approach gaining greater representation and equity for people of diverse backgrounds in medicine.
Racism and discrimination continue to be major issues within medicine today – but there are ways we can combat them. We must start by acknowledging our own biases and understanding how these biases can shape our interactions with others (especially those from different backgrounds). We must also work towards creating equitable systems within medical institutions that ensure everyone has access to appropriate resources regardless of race or ethnicity. Finally, we must speak out against any form of discrimination we witness within our profession and strive for a more inclusive culture overall so that everyone can benefit from quality healthcare without fear of bias or prejudice. By taking steps towards dismantling systemic racism within medicine, we can create a fairer future for all doctors – no matter their background – as well as better health outcomes for all patients seeking care.
Founder, Nostra Data
Part of HIT Like a Girl Podcast
Sharp Index Board Member
Chief Compliance Officer, Evershine Care, LLC