Right now, as Black students, we feel undervalued and see first hand how our white counterparts choose not to engage in issues of race because it may be seen as a conflict of interest and provoke conversations that are much needed but still not being had. We are underrepresented by far and large at conferences and meetings.
Her thoughts made me think - Less than 4% of professionals identify as African-American, yet they make up 12.6% of our population. I reflected on the following:
1. How can we expect to effectively serve our patients if we are not lifting as we climb?
2. What does that say about us if we are pushing others down as we rise up the socioeconomic ladder?
3. Is there truly a difference in the ability of a clinician based on their race?
4. How can I encourage those outside of my race to pursue a professional career?
5. When was the last time I mentored or helped a student outside of my race?
Further, ALL people look up to their clinicians. ALL people look to us for hope, guidance, inspiration, and motivation to overcome adversity. How can we call ourselves experts in our field if we are not even experts of ALL the people we serve?
A friend of mine shared her concerns:
Right now, as Black students, we feel undervalued and see first hand how our white counterparts choose not to engage in issues of race because it may be seen as a conflict of interest and provoke conversations that are much needed but still not being had. We are underrepresented by far and large at conferences and meetings.
Her thoughts made me think - Less than 4% of professionals identify as African-American, yet they make up 12.6% of our population. I reflected on the following:
1. How can we expect to effectively serve our patients if we are not lifting as we climb?
2. What does that say about us if we are pushing others down as we rise up the socioeconomic ladder?
3. Is there truly a difference in the ability of a clinician based on their race?
4. How can I encourage those outside of my race to pursue a professional career?
5. When was the last time I mentored or helped a student outside of my race?
I encourage you to consider the same.
Further, ALL people look up to their clinicians. ALL people look to us for hope, guidance, inspiration, and motivation to overcome adversity. How can we call ourselves experts in our field if we are not even experts of ALL the people we serve?