The Next Big Idea Daily
A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine
Jun 19, 2024
Uche Blackstock, a Black physician and author of 'Legacy,' discusses racism in medicine. She shares insights on misdiagnoses, historical racism, and healthcare disparities. The podcast explores systemic racism's impact on healthcare outcomes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
12:37
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Quick takeaways
- Uche Blackstock highlights systemic and interpersonal challenges in healthcare institutions for Black Americans.
- The COVID-19 pandemic revealed deep-rooted inequities and the urgent need for health equity policies.
Deep dives
Challenges Faced by Black Physicians
With only about 2% of physicians in the US being African American women, the achievement of having three Black women physicians in one family, including being part of the first Black mother-daughter legacy graduates from Harvard Medical School, is exceptional. Despite these accomplishments, barriers like access to quality education, mentoring programs, and institutional support impede the path for Black Americans pursuing a medical career. Uche Blackstock's experience highlights the systemic and interpersonal challenges faced within predominantly white healthcare institutions, underscoring the importance of health equity work and listening to patients.
