Black Women: You Need A Doctor’s Visit

Your life matters. Nine ways to be your own health care advocate, take control of your life, and what you can do to find more Black doctors in your neighborhood.

Photo by Hush Naidoo on Unsplash

“I think the number one thing Black women and Black people should be paying attention to is our health.” — Bell Hook

You are not alone. The doctor’s white coat brings anxiety to most patients. But for Black women, the image of a white coat can be deadly or massive fear.

The Taliban, Dr. Marion Sims’ repugnant medical practice, still keeps many Black women out of the doctor’s office. Why? Because of a lack of trust in doctors. Fear not! Dr. Sims’ statue is no longer in Central Park, NYC, and he is no longer the “Father of Gynecology” — Amen.

Take your power back, be ready to advocate for your health care, and search for a good doctor. Check out Allison Gaines’ articles on Black women’s issues. She is an excellent researcher and a brilliant writer.

Understand the Doctor’s Office:

Most doctors in the US were trained about White people’s bodies and environments. And the US medical tradition is…