Epidemics, Race, and Healthcare – COVID-19

In this episode, the hosts discuss why general protocols and algorithms aimed at COVID-19 have the potential to negatively impact healthcare outcomes in uninsured and under-insured communities of color. Myths about Black physical characteristics persist, even among medical students: Black skin is thicker; Blacks are more tolerant of pain; Blacks have stronger immune systems.  As medical triage becomes necessary, what false beliefs will misinform those making decisions at the policy level and on the front lines?

Urban League Article – https://nul.org/news/coronavirus-crisis-highlights-racial-disparity-healthcare-and-economy

1918 Epidemic Article – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2862340/

Medical Student survey article – https://www.statnews.com/2016/04/04/medical-students-beliefs-race-pain/