The Need for a More Inclusive Physician Workforce

As a Neurology Resident with multiple marginalized identities, I know firsthand the importance of a diverse and inclusive physician workforce. Growing up, I never saw a doctor who looked like me, and it wasn't until I was a high school science teacher that I even considered a career in medicine. I never considered it was something that was achievable for someone like me. It wasn't until I saw a Black woman doctor giving a talk to my students that I realized that it was possible for me to pursue this career path.

Now, as a physician-in-training, I am passionate about health equity and ensuring that everyone has access to quality healthcare regardless of their race, gender, sexuality, or socioeconomic status. I believe that having a diverse and inclusive physician workforce is essential to achieving this goal. Patients from marginalized communities face unique challenges that require doctors to have a deep understanding of their lived experiences. It can be difficult for providers to deliver culturally competent care if they do not have a diverse set of experiences and perspectives.

The Importance of Representation

Representation matters. When patients see doctors who look like them, they are more likely to feel comfortable and trust the medical advice they receive. In addition to feeling more comfortable, patients who see providers that share their background and experiences may be more likely to disclose sensitive information, follow treatment recommendations, and report higher levels of satisfaction with their care.

Unfortunately, the physician workforce does not currently reflect the diversity of the general population. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, only 5% of physicians identify as Black/African American and 4% identify as Hispanic/Latino. The lack of diversity in medicine contributes to health disparities and can lead to mistrust between patients and providers. This lack of diversity can be particularly harmful for patients who are already marginalized.

Breaking the Mold

Because of my multiple marginalized identities, I bring a unique perspective to the field of medicine. I identify as a queer woman, I was a high school science teacher before deciding to pursue a career in medicine, and I am a mom to a young child. While these experiences have presented their own challenges, they have also provided me with valuable skills and insights that have helped me excel in medical school and residency.

I have found that my experience as a teacher has helped me become a better communicator with my patients. The skills that I developed in the classroom, such as active listening, patience, and clear communication, have been invaluable in building trust with my patients. Additionally, being a mom has given me a deeper appreciation for the challenges that parents face when trying to balance their own health with the health of their children.

A diverse physician workforce can help bridge these gaps by providing patients with culturally competent care that is tailored to their individual needs. By understanding the unique challenges and experiences of different populations, physicians can provide better diagnoses, treatments, and overall health outcomes.

As a non-traditional student, I often felt like I didn't fit in with the traditional pre-med mold. I wasn't a straight-A student, and I didn't have a traditional science background. However, I realized that my experiences as a high school science teacher gave me a unique perspective that could be valuable in the medical field. By embracing my differences and leaning into my strengths, I was able to excel in medical school and residency.

Tips for Success

If you are considering a career in medicine, it's important to know that you don't have to fit into a specific mold to be successful. In fact, diversity and inclusion are essential to improving healthcare outcomes for all patients. Here are some tips that have helped me along the way:

1. Find mentors who can support and guide you: Seek out mentors who share your values and can provide guidance and support as you navigate the medical field.

2. Build a support system that includes friends, family, and colleagues: Surround yourself with people who support your goals and can provide emotional support when you need it.

3. Stay true to yourself and your values: Don't try to fit into a specific mold or change who you are to fit into the medical field. Embrace your unique background and experiences as an asset.

4. Take advantage of opportunities to learn from diverse perspectives: Seek out opportunities to learn from people who have different backgrounds and experiences than you. This will help you develop a deeper understanding of the challenges that patients from diverse populations face.

5. Remember that your unique background and experiences can be an asset in the medical field: Don't be afraid to share your unique perspectives and experiences with your colleagues and patients. You may have insights that others do not.

In conclusion, a diverse physician workforce is essential to improving healthcare outcomes for all patients. I am committed to advocating for a more inclusive physician workforce and ensuring that all patients receive high-quality, culturally competent care. If you are considering a career in medicine, know that there is a place for you in this field, and your unique background and experiences can make a difference. Embrace your differences, seek out mentors and support systems, and never be afraid to share your unique perspectives with others. Together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system.