Medical Racism and Gender Bias in Healthcare

A 2016 study found that 50% of white medical students falsely believed that “Black people have thicker skin or can tolerate pain better” (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America). According to a study by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2021, black women are 3 to 4 times more likely than white women to die preventable deaths from pregnancy-related complications. Even Serena Williams, an African-American tennis star, was not shielded by her wealth and status, almost dying after childbirth due to her concerns about breathing being initially dismissed by doctors. Research from the early 2000s found that women with chest pain, particularly younger women, were less likely than men to receive an electrocardiogram (ECG) in emergency departments (Sacred Heart University). Often, the same symptoms were dismissed as psychological or stress-related.

These false beliefs that are rooted in long-standing stereotypes have resulted in practices of medical racism and gender bias. Historically and systemically, this has led to ignoring, misdiagnosing, excluding from research, and undertreating specific patients. Pain medications are not prescribed equally due to the perception of biological differences between patients. Symptoms, especially in emergency settings, are often downplayed. These experiences can further cause fear and mistrust in medical systems, which ultimately increases disparities even more.

Reform on both the institutional and cultural levels is essential to address medical racism and gender bias. Medical schools should incorporate anti-racist and gender sensitive education and training. Unconscious biases need to be confronted by providers, and researchers should actively ensure diverse representation. Patients need to be encouraged to speak up and advocate for themselves in medical settings. Requiring hospitals and clinics to track health outcomes by race, gender, and sexual orientation will improve accountability. Recruiting and retaining doctors, nurses, and administrators from diverse backgrounds is another way to minimize biased practices. Healthcare should not be conditional on who you are or the color of your skin. Through systemic change, we can dismantle the harmful inequalities in healthcare.