Understanding a patient’s experience with racism.
Understanding a patient’s experience with racism.
A doctor checks in with their patient to learn more about what took place during their last medical visit.
I read that you filed a complaint based on your recent interaction with the front desk and I wanted to check in.
It’s not your fault—you’re great—it was the front desk… While I was booking my next appointment, the new scheduler said something that made me feel uncomfortable.
Thank you for sharing that with me.
Yeah, I’m just nervous because I don’t like getting people into trouble.
I definitely understand, and it’s not about getting people into trouble. It’s about fostering a safe space to have these conversations. I’m here to listen.
I appreciate that. Well… when I was booking my next appointment, I was talking to them about how I am planning a trip with my students, so I was unavailable to return on the date they were hoping for. She asked what I teach and when I told her I was a college history professor she replied, “Oh, no wonder you are so articulate.”
Wow, that must’ve been hard to hear!
It was! I didn’t know how to confront them, but I wanted to mention that this was a microaggression and it made me feel uncomfortable as a Black patient in their clinic.
Thank you for sharing this. Racist actions of the front desk staff are something that we do not take lightly. Their behavior in no way represents the values and mission of the clinic. I will make it a priority to implement training for the entire clinic, myself included, centered bias and racism. Are there any other suggestions you want to add?
That seems like a good start. I also think it’s important for everyone to consider why patients, especially patients of color, are unable to make their appointments, which many times are out of their control. In past situations I have heard negative stereotypes in doctor’s offices about Black patients missing appointments. Based on my own experience, I’ve missed appointments because I rely on public transportation or because of my changing work schedule.
Exactly. There are many barriers in place like inaccessible transportation and rigid work schedules that inherently marginalize communities of color to not get adequate access to care. It is our duty in the clinic to meet the patient where they are without making assumptions.
And if a Black patient is trying to schedule an appointment and the person at the front desk makes an offhand racist comment, it’s another barrier to seeing the doctor.
Yes—and that’s why I’m really glad you brought this incident to my attention. I want patients to feel safe when they are here, and I want to remove barriers to getting care, including microaggressions like the one you experienced.
Things to consider.
To be antiracist is to fight against all types of racism which includes individual, interpersonal, institutional, microaggression, and structural types of racial oppression.
Being antiracist is an ongoing practice of self-awareness, self-reflection, and taking visible steps to consciously oppose racist ideas, behavior, and policies.
How do you see antiracism benefitting the health outcomes of your patients?
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