Managing a Diverse Team

Doctor Charles Gibson: (Black community)

 

He is a trauma surgeon with over 10 years of experience. He has suffered racial prejudice, where his skin color has more importance than his knowledge and enthusiasm. One of his experiences is when a patient voiced resistance to receiving care from a black doctor despite the patient having pain and needing surgery right away. Based on this experience he understands racism's irrationality and the emotional toll it may have on both patients and medical professionals.

 

Doctor Candace Smith King: (Black community)

 

She understands the importance of diversity in the medical field since it makes people feel more at ease and comfortable to have a pediatrician who looks like them. However, she has had difficulties outside of the hospital. As soon as she takes off her white coat, she is subjected to racial stereotypes and prejudice. She has encountered circumstances where she feels mistreated. Despite these challenges, Doctor Smith King is inspired by her mother, who surmounted obstacles to obtain a higher degree and finds support in her extended family.

 

Dr. Kendall Hamilton: (Black community)

 

He is an orthopedic surgeon with a focus on arthroscopic and sports medicine. He has experience working with both NASA's Astronaut Corps and professional sports clubs. Unfortunately, he has also experienced prejudice in the workplace. He had an experience when a patient refused to see him because of his race.  Dr. Hamilton expresses anger about his inability to change how he looks and how stereotypes of black males might impact his career. He is committed to his job and tries to give his patients the finest care possible despite the difficulties.

 

Summary

The interview highlights the underrepresentation of black Americans in the healthcare workforce and the resulting health disparities they face. Black Americans have poorer health outcomes, such as shorter life expectancies and higher pregnancy risks. Increasing diversity in healthcare is proposed as a solution, but the current representation of black physicians remains low, despite their population share.

 

The text presents the personal experiences of three black doctors who have encountered racial discrimination in their careers. They share emotional stories of patients refusing their care due to their skin color, reminiscent of the racism they faced in their upbringing. Despite their expertise and dedication as highly trained physicians, their race sometimes overshadows their abilities.

 

The presence of black doctors can positively impact patient outcomes, as patients feel more comfortable and understood when their healthcare providers resemble them. However, the challenges faced by black doctors extend beyond the hospital, with instances of differential treatment and stereotypes when they are not wearing their white coats. The doctors discuss the intergenerational conversations about racial discrimination they continue to have and the impact on their children, including having to explain the potential threat their black sons may face.

 

Despite their experiences, the interviewed doctors remain hopeful for progress and understanding. They appreciate Spectrum Health's significant financial commitment of $100 million to improve diversity and equity in healthcare. The text concludes by mentioning that the doctors will share their thoughts on the advancements in the fight for equality in an upcoming segment, suggesting ongoing efforts to address these issues.

 

Strategies:

To work with these doctors and address the problem, you can apply the following strategies:

Promote Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives:

Implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives within the hospital can help create a supportive and inclusive environment for doctors of all backgrounds. By actively promoting diversity, we can foster a culture that values and respects the unique perspectives and experiences of everyone. This strategy can make black doctors feel valued, included, and empowered, thus boosting their morale and overall job satisfaction.

 

Offer Cultural Sensitivity and Anti-Bias Training:

Providing cultural sensitivity and anti-bias training programs for all hospital staff, including doctors, can raise awareness about unconscious biases and help address stereotypes or discriminatory behaviors. This training will enhance cultural competency in the workforce, enabling doctors to feel respected and understood by their colleagues and patients. It can also lead to improved communication and collaboration within the healthcare team.

 

Establish Support Networks and Mentorship Programs:

Creating support networks and mentorship programs specifically tailored to black doctors can provide them with valuable guidance, mentorship, and a safe space to share their experiences and challenges. These programs can connect them with senior physicians who have overcome similar obstacles, fostering a sense of community, and providing a platform for professional growth and development. Building a support system can help combat feelings of isolation and increase resilience in the face of discrimination.

 

References

 

·       WOOD TV8. (2020, November 18). Being Black in a white coat: Local doctors face discrimination on and off the job [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyjNhQhLrfU

·       How to eliminate discrimination from your workplace. (2023, February 6). BDC.ca. https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/employees/manage/how-eliminate-discrimination-from-your-workplace