Racism in Healthcare: How to Find an Anti-Racist Doctor and Navigate Healthcare Safely

Healthcare should be a safe space for healing, compassion, and trust. Yet, for many people—particularly patients of color—it often feels like the opposite. Racial bias in medicine continues to create dangerous disparities in care. The numbers are alarming: Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. Indigenous people live, on average, over four years fewer than the general U.S. population. These statistics aren’t abstract—they represent real families who have suffered because of systemic inequities.

Finding an anti-racist doctor isn’t just a matter of preference—it can be a matter of survival. The right healthcare provider can mean earlier diagnoses, safer treatments, and medical care rooted in respect rather than dismissal. This guide will walk you through:

• What racial bias in healthcare really looks like
• What qualities define an anti-racist doctor
• Resources to find providers who prioritize equity
• Practical questions to ask new doctors
• Self-advocacy strategies when you don’t have many choices

Ultimately, this isn’t just about individual appointments. Understanding and addressing racism in healthcare can change whether entire communities feel safe enough to seek medical help when they need it most.

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The Reality of Racism in Healthcare

Racism in healthcare isn’t always obvious. It’s not only about overt discrimination—it’s also about unequal treatment, dismissive attitudes, and systemic gaps in medical research.

Everyday Examples of Bias

• Delayed diagnoses: Studies show that Asian Americans are less likely to receive an alcohol use disorder diagnosis, even when showing the exact same symptoms as white patients.
• Unequal pain management: Research reveals Black patients are less likely to be prescribed adequate pain relief in emergency rooms compared to white patients with identical conditions.
• Maternal mortality disparities: Black women’s pain and concerns during pregnancy are often dismissed, leading to higher rates of preventable complications.

These disparities don’t happen by accident. They are the result of implicit bias, outdated medical training, and systemic neglect.

Where Bias Comes From

1. Medical training: For decades, textbooks and teaching models used white patients as the “default.” This leaves doctors unprepared to recognize how illnesses appear on different skin tones or in different populations.
2. Underrepresentation in research: Many clinical trials historically excluded Black, Latino, and Indigenous patients. This means treatments are often designed around populations that don’t represent everyone.
3. Historical abuses: From the Tuskegee Syphilis Study to forced sterilizations of Indigenous women, the history of medicine includes horrific abuses that have left generational trauma and mistrust.

Why Active Anti-Racism Matters

Good intentions aren’t enough. A doctor who says, “I treat everyone the same,” may unintentionally overlook the unique challenges faced by patients of color. An anti-racist doctor actively acknowledges how racism shows up in healthcare and works against it through education, empathy, and systemic advocacy.

This approach doesn’t just improve health outcomes—it rebuilds trust. Patients who feel seen and respected are more likely to seek care early, follow treatment plans, and maintain long-term health.

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What Makes a Doctor Anti-Racist

So, what sets an anti-racist doctor apart? It’s not a title—it’s an ongoing commitment to equity, empathy, and accountability.

1. They Truly Listen Without Judgment

Listening is the foundation of good medical care. Anti-racist doctors understand that medical gaslighting—dismissing or minimizing symptoms—is a serious problem for patients of color. Instead of brushing off concerns, they:

• Ask clarifying questions
• Validate patients’ experiences
• Avoid making assumptions based on stereotypes

👉 Example: A Black woman reporting chest pain should never be told it’s “just stress” without a full workup. An anti-racist doctor treats that symptom with the same urgency they would for any patient.

2. They Provide Culturally Sensitive Care

Health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Our diets, traditions, family dynamics, and cultural beliefs all shape how we approach medical care. Anti-racist doctors recognize this by:

• Respecting traditional healing practices patients may use alongside medicine
• Considering dietary restrictions (such as Halal, Kosher, or vegetarian practices) when creating treatment plans
• Acknowledging that financial or community support systems affect treatment success

👉 Example: A Latino patient managing diabetes may benefit from nutrition guidance that respects cultural foods rather than dismissing them as “unhealthy.”

3. They Share Decision-Making Power

In the past, medicine often followed a paternalistic model—doctors made the decisions, and patients were expected to comply. But this approach disproportionately harms communities of color who may already face dismissal. Anti-racist doctors practice shared decision-making, which includes:

• Explaining treatment options in plain language
• Encouraging questions without judgment
• Respecting patient preferences and values

👉 Example: A Native patient who expresses concerns about a specific medication may be offered alternative options rather than being told, “This is the only choice.”

4. They Understand Symptom Variations Across Races

One of the most dangerous blind spots in medicine is assuming all bodies respond the same way. In reality:

• Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or lupus can look very different on darker skin tones, leading to misdiagnosis.
• Drug metabolism can vary by genetic background, meaning some medications may be less effective—or cause more side effects—in certain populations.
• Heart disease symptoms can differ in Black and Latina women compared to white women.

Anti-racist doctors stay informed about these variations and push for inclusive research that reflects diverse populations.

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Resources for Finding Anti-Racist Doctors

Fortunately, more organizations are stepping up to connect patients with culturally competent providers. Here are some trusted starting points:

• Skin of Color Society – Offers a directory of dermatologists experienced in treating diverse skin tones.
• HUED – Connects Black, Latino, and Indigenous patients with healthcare providers committed to equity.
• Clinicians of Color – Specializes in mental health providers, ensuring patients can find therapists who understand racial identity and trauma.
• Health In Her HUE – Focuses on connecting women of color with doctors who understand the intersection of race and gender in healthcare.

👉 Many of these directories include provider profiles that highlight:

• Cultural competency training
• Language skills
• Areas of expertise relevant to marginalized communities

💡 Pro Tip: If you can’t find a doctor through a directory, ask local community organizations, advocacy groups, or even trusted friends and family for recommendations. Word-of-mouth remains one of the most powerful tools in finding the right provider.

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Questions to Ask Potential Healthcare Providers

Meeting a new doctor can feel intimidating, but asking the right questions helps you quickly gauge whether they are committed to anti-racist care.

Key Questions to Ask

1. “What experience do you have treating patients from my community?”
2. “Have you received training in cultural competency or anti-bias practices?”
3. “How do you stay updated on racial and ethnic health disparities in your field?”
4. “If I have questions about your treatment recommendation, how open are you to discussing alternatives?”
5. “Does your practice provide interpreter services or support for non-English speakers?”

Why These Questions Matter

• Their answers reveal whether they view anti-racism as an ongoing practice or just a buzzword.
• Their body language also matters—anti-racist doctors welcome these conversations instead of becoming defensive.
• Providers who can give concrete examples (such as participating in equity-focused training) show they are actively working to improve.

👉 If a doctor seems dismissive or irritated by these questions, it’s often a red flag that they may not provide the equitable care you deserve.

Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare Settings

Even with the best resources, you may not always have immediate access to an explicitly anti-racist doctor. In those situations, self-advocacy becomes a powerful tool to ensure you receive fair and thorough medical care.

Prepare Thoroughly Before Appointments

Walking into a doctor’s office prepared can shift the balance of power in your favor. Instead of relying on memory during stressful appointments, bring:

• A written list of symptoms, including when they began, how often they occur, and what makes them better or worse.
• A medication list, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements.
• Family health history, especially if certain conditions run in your community.

👉 Example: If you’ve been experiencing chest discomfort, writing down that it occurs mostly at night, worsens after meals, and has lasted for three weeks helps the doctor take your concerns seriously.

Bring a Support Person When Possible

Medical settings can be intimidating, especially when bias is at play. Having someone with you provides:

• Emotional support when conversations get overwhelming.
• An extra set of ears to remember details.
• A witness in case you feel dismissed or disrespected.

In many cases, patients report feeling more empowered when a friend or family member is present.

Request Documentation of Decisions

If you feel a doctor is ignoring your concerns, ask them to document their reasoning in your medical record. For example:

“Please note in my chart that I requested additional testing and that it was declined.”

This request serves two purposes:

1. It creates an official paper trail that could protect you later.
2. It often makes providers reconsider their decision on the spot.

Seek Second Opinions

Never feel guilty for wanting a second opinion. If a diagnosis feels incomplete or a treatment plan doesn’t sit right with you, consulting another doctor can confirm—or challenge—the first recommendation. This is especially important for serious diagnoses, surgeries, or chronic conditions.

Use Your Right to Language Services

If English isn’t your preferred language, know this: any hospital or clinic that receives federal funding must provide free interpreter services. This is your legal right under U.S. law. Clear communication is essential for safe care, and you shouldn’t hesitate to ask for this support.

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Supporting Systemic Change in Healthcare

While self-advocacy is vital, real progress requires structural change. Patients, providers, and communities can all play a role in reshaping healthcare systems to serve everyone fairly.

Support Organizations Leading the Fight for Equity

Several national and local organizations are pushing for healthcare justice:

• The National Medical Association (NMA): Advocates for Black physicians and patients, focusing on eliminating disparities.
• The Black Women’s Health Imperative: Dedicated to improving health outcomes for Black women through policy, research, and advocacy.
• Community Health Centers: Provide affordable care to underserved populations, often with a focus on culturally responsive practices.

Supporting these groups—whether through donations, volunteering, or amplifying their work—helps drive change far beyond individual appointments.

Push for Policy Reforms

Lasting equity also requires laws and regulations that dismantle systemic barriers. Patients can advocate for:

• Medicaid expansion in states that haven’t adopted it.
• Funding for community-based clinics in marginalized neighborhoods.
• Cultural competency training requirements in medical schools and continuing education programs.

Policy advocacy might sound intimidating, but even signing petitions, attending local meetings, or contacting representatives can make a difference.

Share Your Story

When you have a positive experience with an anti-racist doctor, share it. Post reviews online, recommend providers within your community, and talk openly about what made the care equitable.

These testimonials:

• Help other patients find the right providers.
• Show doctors that equity matters to patients.
• Build momentum for change by highlighting what works.

Participate in Inclusive Research

Medical research has historically excluded people of color, leading to treatment gaps. By volunteering for clinical studies that actively recruit diverse participants, patients can help ensure that future treatments are tested across different populations.

👉 Example: Blood pressure medications often work differently in Black patients than in white patients, but this wasn’t understood until more diverse research data emerged. Inclusive studies save lives.

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Moving Toward Equitable Healthcare

Finding an anti-racist doctor isn’t just about better individual treatment—it’s part of a larger movement to reimagine healthcare as a system of justice rather than exclusion.

The Dual Responsibility

• Patients: By asking questions, advocating for themselves, and supporting organizations, patients can demand equity and accountability.
• Healthcare systems: Ultimately, the burden of change rests with institutions that must address structural racism, diversify their workforce, and update outdated practices.

The Bigger Picture

Healthcare equity isn’t just a medical issue—it’s a human rights issue. When marginalized groups avoid doctors out of fear of being dismissed or mistreated, preventable conditions worsen, families suffer, and entire communities lose trust in systems meant to protect them.

By prioritizing anti-racist practices, providers do more than treat illness—they help rebuild that broken trust.

Your Role in the Movement

• When you choose an anti-racist doctor, you’re protecting your own health.
• When you recommend them to others, you’re strengthening your community.
• When you advocate for systemic reform, you’re helping reshape healthcare for future generations.

The journey toward equity is long, but every individual choice and collective action adds up.

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Conclusion: Your Health, Your Humanity, Your Voice

Your health is not negotiable. You deserve care from providers who recognize your full humanity, respect your lived experiences, and treat your symptoms with seriousness and skill.

An anti-racist doctor doesn’t just provide better medical care—they provide dignity, validation, and partnership. And while the responsibility for reform should never fall solely on patients, seeking out these providers strengthens both your own health and the broader fight for equity.

Remember:

• Advocate for yourself when necessary.
• Use available directories to find culturally competent providers.
• Support systemic change to make healthcare more just for everyone.

Healthcare should never be a place of fear or dismissal. With informed choices and collective advocacy, we can move toward a future where race no longer determines the quality—or the safety—of medical care.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a “non-racist” and an “anti-racist” doctor?
A non-racist doctor may avoid overt discrimination but does little to challenge systemic bias. An anti-racist doctor actively works to understand inequities, educates themselves, and practices culturally competent, respectful care.

2. What should I do if I can’t find an anti-racist doctor near me?
Prepare for appointments, advocate for yourself, bring support people, and request documentation when needed. Even in limited situations, you can still protect yourself from dismissive treatment.

3. Can I switch doctors if I feel disrespected or dismissed?
Yes. Patients always have the right to change providers. If possible, look for recommendations from community networks or use online directories specializing in culturally responsive care.

4. How can I tell if a doctor is truly anti-racist or just saying the right things?
Pay attention to how they listen, whether they welcome questions, and if they provide concrete examples of cultural competency in their practice. Their attitude during difficult conversations is often revealing.

5. How can communities support systemic change in healthcare?
Communities can support local health organizations, advocate for inclusive policies, share resources, and amplify success stories to highlight what works. Collective action is key to structural reform.