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The Impact of Black Physicians on Community Health
At 40 years old, Dontal Johnson reflects on his childhood aspiration to become a doctor, a dream shaped by his experiences growing up without seeing representation in the medical field.
“I had never seen a Black doctor growing up, and one of the craziest things is I didn’t see a Black doctor until I reached college,” Johnson recalled.
Determined to change his narrative, Johnson sought medical schools in Texas. However, when a friend informed him about a medical institution in Nashville, Tennessee, known for its diversity and predominantly Black student body, he was overwhelmed with excitement.
“He started describing a place filled with individuals like me who were dentists, doctors, and scientists. That night, I eagerly navigated the slow dial-up internet to learn more about Meharry Medical College. I applied that same night around 1 or 2 a.m.,” he shared.
After completing his education at Meharry Medical College, a historically Black institution, Johnson decided to contribute to his community by becoming a pediatrician and professor at the same college.
Johnson emphasized the significance of understanding the specific healthcare needs of African American patients, stating, “One crucial aspect that has emerged is the connection between systemic racism, our shared history, and the healthcare profession’s inconsistent support of this patient population.”
Research indicates that Black patients experience improved health outcomes when treated by Black doctors. This critical connection has garnered attention and support, notably from former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who recently pledged a $600 million donation to support the four medical schools at historic Black colleges and universities—Meharry, Morehouse School of Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. These institutions have collectively trained approximately 50% of all Black doctors in the United States, as reported by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
Despite African Americans constituting about 14% of the U.S. population, they represent a mere 5.2% of physicians nationally, according to AAMC data.
Dr. Valerie Montgomery-Rice, president of Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, noted, “It’s important to have healthcare professionals in the community, especially Black healthcare providers, as they uplift the entire community. This will enable us to train more Black and Brown physicians and provide them with better choices in their careers, with reduced financial burdens.”
Dr. Montgomery-Rice has already witnessed the positive impacts of such investments. In 2020, Bloomberg contributed $26 million to support debt relief for students at Morehouse School of Medicine, with resident physician Jamil Joyner receiving $100,000 to help alleviate his financial burden.
“This support not only affirms our belief in Black doctors but also underscores the importance of Black institutions in reforming healthcare for Black communities,” Joyner remarked.
For Dr. Johnson, the need for continued investment in Black physicians is critical. He expressed, “I can personally attest to the significance of training African American physicians who are committed to serving underserved communities. Data supports that partnering with these physicians leads to fewer strokes, lower hypertension rates, and reduced obesity within those communities.”
Enhancing the health of these communities, according to Johnson, is a step toward fostering a healthier nation overall.
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www.cbsnews.com