I believe that all ethnicities face some sort of discrimination when receiving medical depending
on status in America. However, black people and people of color face a tremendous amount of
discrimination when it comes to gaining access the healthcare, receiving healthcare, and
receiving proper information on testing done at healthcare institutions 1 The treatment that
people of color get from healthcare professionals are indeed a factor that contributes to many
health disparities in this country. The racial and ethical bias does contribute to the health
inequities and health disparities in the United States. As a black man that lived in nine European
countries, three continents, forty-four states in the United States of America and in the
Caribbean, I can tell you I’ve personally faced the lack of care from medical staff at different care
centers across the United State than I did anywhere else in the world. I am an active-duty
military service member and I’ve been ill numerous of times due to getting stationed in different
states while dealing with different climate changes. I was given the worse treatment than my
caucasian cousin who was also sick and in the service. It was a harsh treatment and when it was
all said and done, they got my information and saw I was military which gave me a better
treatment which shouldn’t have happen if I work for the government or not. This issue does
factor in with the treatment of doctor patient relation and the treatment given to black
patients1 People of color face ten times more barriers in life especially with obtaining access to
care and other health related issues2
People of color do not favor their relationship with others than they have with their healthcare
providers due to this type of bias2 Throughout the years they have been many advancements in
the healthcare field but there are many biases that are formed and deeply rooted in racial and
ethical discrimination not only blacks but mainly against Hispanics, Asians, Caribbeans and
Middle Easterns2 T root out perceived inequalities that leads to discrimination that threaten
individual health is for the communication between providers and patients be healthier to build
trust between both parties. Issues that arise from unhealthy relationships can lead to the use of
condescending voice and tones, stares, improper use of salutations and words which will turn
patients away from receiving care. There are instances that will make any patient feel like
they’re not being heard, taken care of as is mandated as a healthcare provider and show no
concern to their health provider4 Providers do think that people of color are more aggressive
than white people can lead to prejudice, mistreatment and they sometimes believe they are
better but not in that positions to make any health moves2 The framework for racial bias in
healthcare fields such as psychology where each patient is assessed and classified through
assessments and standard opinion rather than an objective approach1
These preconceived ideas will definitely lead to healthcare providers offering and giving better
care to their own white counterparts and patients than the ones of color1 Preconceived notions,
ideas and biased thoughts formed by healthcare providers can and sometimes will lead to the
assumptions on the care and treatment given to a person of color. These same biased thoughts
are also found in white healthcare givers when assumptions are taken on how intelligent, health
literacy and self-advocacy a black client is when receiving any sort of healthcare2 Another issue
concerning health disparity is that providers interact with colored patients less than any other
ethnicities because of fear of being non-compliant and aggressive towards them2 In many cases
involving healthcare standards that sometimes causses disputes are associated with individuals
with low-income to none, LGBTQ community including blacks, citizens with chronic diseases and
disabilities and subjected to mental health disparities that are more important to follow due to
social injustice2
I do believe that the implicit bias is associated with being territorial when dealing with people of
colors and other ethnicities. It’s mentioned that these biased attitudes are a part of their
subconscious nature and are difficult to control2 According to research published in the
American Journal of Public Health, it’s a common thing for professionals and healthcare givers
to be biases due to low to medium levels before the conscious sets then the brain
accommodate for the difference of what the person thinks or no2 There will always be indication
of bias based on an individual or community because of their upbringing, communities they live
in, their culture, and their way of life for example LGBTQ+. For other public health professionals,
I would recommend first taking a step back, assess ethical responsibilities and ramification that
can happen if bias isn’t being thrown out and communicate effectively4 Looking at the color of
one skin is humanizing withing itself and at some point, professionals have to realize that the
person is just like any other and bleed the same as any another person rather than immediately
treating him or her harshly by the first impression and color of their skin.
Bias, inequalities, and racism in healthcare makes the outcome of giving care suffers. It makes
for complains and it hinders individuals to make concise and educated decision which leads to
disciplinary actions. On a biblical worldview and approach, we should take interest in catering
for each and every one as Jesus did for us no matter the color of our skin, sexual preferences,
and socioeconomic status. The command was given in the book of John 13v35 and it states By
this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”3 I do believe they’re
ways to combat bias in the health care sector and by applying the scripture will surely give us an
idea of what not to do because we are made in his likeness and image so therefore do good
onto others despite each other’s background.
References
1. Shim RS. Dismantling Structural Racism in Psychiatry: A Path to Mental Health Equity.
American Journal of Psychiatry. 2021;178(7):592-598.
doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2021.21060558
2. Hall WJ, Chapman MV, Lee KM, et al. Implicit Racial/Ethnic Bias among health care
professionals and its influence on health care outcomes: A Systematic review. American
Journal of Public Health. 2015;105(12):e60-e76. doi:10.2105/ajph.2015.302903
3. Holy Bible. New International Version. NIV BibleGateway Online (2011).
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+13%3A35&version=NIV
