

A medical mythbuster's mission to improve health care | Joel Bervell
12 snips Oct 15, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Joel Bervell, a fourth-year medical student and social media activist, sheds light on the race-based biases embedded in healthcare. He shares his experiences as one of the few Black students in his program and emphasizes the historical context of health disparities. Joel explores the critical importance of diversity in medicine and offers practical strategies for patients to advocate for themselves. He also tackles prevalent medical myths, empowering listeners to make informed health decisions and improve their care.
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Medical School Observations
- Joel Bervell, upon entering medical school, noticed the frequent mention of race in relation to health disparities.
- He observed that the discussions lacked exploration of the underlying social and political factors.
Study on Racial Bias
- A 2016 study revealed that 50% of medical students/residents held at least one false belief about racial biological differences.
- This highlights how historical biases persist and affect patient care.
GFR Equation Bias
- The GFR equation, used to measure kidney function, included a racial multiplier that overestimated kidney function in Black people.
- This made it harder for them to receive diagnoses, referrals, and transplants.