A new book titled 'Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine' is shining a light on the costs of healthcare in the United States. Written by a black physician, this deeply personal and profound exploration goes beyond the exorbitant medical bills and delves into the impact of prejudice, from racism to sexism, on both doctors and patients.
The book begins with a harrowing personal experience shared by the author, who, as a first-year medical student, faced multiple visits to the emergency room for abdominal pain and vomiting. Initially, the author was misdiagnosed with a stomach bug, only to later discover a perforated appendix leading to serious complications. During these visits, the author faced dismissive attitudes and questions about personal matters unrelated to their medical condition. This is a common occurrence for black patients and women, who often find their symptoms minimized and their concerns unheard.
The author's own daughter, a white female, had a similar experience when her appendix perforated and caused sepsis. The doctors dismissed her pain and asked unnecessary personal questions instead of focusing on her critical condition. These instances of gaslighting, where patients' symptoms are disregarded by healthcare professionals, lead to misdiagnosis and sometimes even fatal consequences.
The author's motivation to write this book was also fueled by the tragic loss of their mother, a trailblazing figure who succumbed to leukemia due to environmental exposures in her impoverished neighborhood. Witnessing her mother's premature death due to health inequities faced by black individuals further emphasized the need to address these deep-rooted issues within the healthcare system.
In 'Legacy,' the author offers a diagnosis of these problems and presents actionable solutions. The book highlights the history of racism in medicine, from the days of slavery to the Tuskegee experiment, and stresses the importance of educating future physicians to recognize their internal biases. Holding hospitals and healthcare institutions accountable, tracking and addressing inequities, and actively seeking feedback from patients are essential steps toward creating a safer and more equitable healthcare system.
Although the book has just been published, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. The author remains optimistic, stating that many healthcare professionals and institutions are eager to improve patient outcomes and are open to understanding the historical context that has led to the present disparities. The hope is that 'Legacy' will serve as a galvanizing call to action, inspiring systemic change in healthcare practice, education, and policy-making to ensure a healthier and more equitable future for all.
