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.
