Improving Black Doctor & Black Patient Relationships
Patients, bring a list of questions to your appointment. Ask questions at your pace. If you are not comfortable, bring someone you trust or ask the nurse to help you. Most importantly, if you feel that you are not being treated properly by staff or the physician, speak up. I don’t advocate the “Samuel L. Jackson” voice, but let folks know that your encounter was not the best. Sometimes healthcare providers get in autopilot mode and do not know that they are being a tad short or disconnected. Don’t let inferior service off the hook, but please leave room for a forgivable infraction.
Providers, remember that you are an impossibility for some patients. People grow up and never see real life Black doctors. They sometimes want to know you. Sometimes they place a red cape on your white coat and expect you to fly. They’re sick, scared and vulnerable. Sometimes folks just want to say they know—like bringing the black-eyed peas to New Year’s Eve party know—their doctor. Humor them for two minutes. I promise being nice and providing partnership within the clinical encounter will go a long way.
While there is no secret handshake, a pride and comfort comes along with the relationship between the Black doctor and Black patient.
Dr. Kevin Ahmaad Jenkins is a dynamic speaker, author, and scholar who serves as a Vice-Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellow and lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania. After obtaining his bachelor’s (NC Central University) and master’s (Florida A&M University) degrees focused in medical and legal history, Dr. Jenkins earned a Ph.D. in Sociology and Criminology & Law from the University of Florida. This two-time national journalism award winner examines the influence of race, racism, and law within medicine. High-powered corporate clients, such as McDonalds and ProQuest, have invited him as a keynote speaker for state and global events. Dr. Kevin Ahmaad Jenkins is a blue-collar academician who is one of America’s emerging voices.