We All Need to Confront the ‘Ugly History’ of Racism in Medicine
My journey, my struggles, my triumphs all seem to be status quo. Until I take time to reflect and talk to colleagues both black and those who are not black. It’s always an uncomfortable jolt of recognition when I fully reside mentally in what the reality of being a black doctor and mother means. Quite honestly, I probably suppress the truth of how “making it” against heavy odds adds to my daily emotional stress. The energy needed to continually ensure my worth, being listened to and how to make sure I don’t compromise my skills and training can be equally as stressful. It also affects me now as a mother of two young black boys, ages 4 and 6. When I scroll over social media and take in all that has happened and close the screen of my laptop to see them playing, I know this moment in time is affecting me more than I know. So even as a black physician, I also have the most important role as a black mother.
What black physicians know is that there is a fair amount of unequal treatment among patients and doctors alike, but it is often covered up in statements of inabilities, lack of skill and failure to make progress. Along with it, the consequences of the psychological costs of being one of the few black faces in a predominantly white environment.
Even in the highest professions, we still are singled out from the others in our respective fields and have differential and unequal treatment, which simply connotes discrimination. But as only 7.7% of the medical profession, who are black doctors supposed to share concerns with, complain to, talk to? These hurdles are often discussed in black professional circles, however the questions often go unanswered. One clear answer that has always resonated and will still create change is representation and visibility. The deep roots of racism are embedded in the American culture. We grow up surrounded by stereotypes and casual expressions of racism and prejudice. These images are profound and one place as a black female physician I can make movement in the generations to follow is by speaking my truth. The truth is that when I walk into a patient’s room, the Operating Room, or even sitting in committee meetings, I often wonder what others may think about my capabilities. It can motivate the question, “what kind of change towards equality has been made and if it has, is it a true change or a facelift of discrimination?”
The denial about the inequalities that plague our society is our own failure to admit that modern day racism persists, and although it doesn’t always resemble the overt forms characterized by “old fashioned” racism, in many ways we haven’t made a dent in the framework.
White privilege refers to the fact that there is an acceptance of their experiences as what should be looked at as the normal experience. Speaking with black residents often unveils this type of unconscious racism.
I am determined to hold conversations that will allow all of us to do some serious soul searching as this discrimination cannot be erased from our culture just by changing guidelines. We all have an enormous responsibility to society to deconstruct this system or else the system itself will maintain it.
The obligation of medical organizations, schools and hospitals includes confronting the ugly history of racism in medicine. Not only recognizing it, but allowing those who are not black to be held accountable when instances of racism, stereotypes, and implicit biases impact patient care and black colleague interactions. As a black surgeon and black mother, my responsibility is crucially important to be a voice for those who seek mentorship and guidance, as well as denouncing racism in healthcare. My sons will have to be a part of this uncomfortable discussion and my responsibility to cultivate these conversations in my home as well as in medicine. It is an attainable goal and more importantly a moral necessity.
