Question

In this task you will write a reflection about one of the key messages of the unit: Biased treatment matters in health care.
Reflective writing should demonstrate critical reading and thinking skills. The use of ‘I’ is expected in this assessment task (‘I think, I do not agree, I agree’, etc). Your essay should follow the following format: Introduction: Briefly identify the main points that you will explore in the essay (approximately 150 words)
2. Reflect on how your cultural location, attitudes, values and beliefs might affect the assumptions and practices you bring to the care of patients (approximately 200 words)

Answer 1

Question no 1 I think the first step toward addressing bias is to examine our own situation. Here is my situation, in the proverbial nutshell:

White

Male

Straight

Financially secure

Naturally-born United States citizen

Protestant Christian

English-speaker

Not overweight

I don’t apologize for any of them – I am happy with who I am. But it is crucial to realize that I didn’t do anything to accomplish any of those things – and yet, my personal characteristics put me in a place of privilege. Nobody would doubt me if I showed up in an Emergency Department with chest pain. I’d get the appropriate tests in an instant and probably be provided with pain medications without delay.

Would I get the same great medical care if I were a disheveled homeless man? If I didn’t speak English? If I were a Muslim woman wearing a hijab? If I were a transgender person? If I were a woman? If I were overweight? Maybe, maybe not.

So we talked about this with the medical students, starting with recognizing one’s own privilege and naming it out loud. I told the students, especially the white guys, that it is totally OK and cool to be a white guy. No apologies. But it is important to recognize the privilege that comes with personal characteristics which you were simply born into.

Great quote: “When you find yourself on 3rd base, don’t assume you hit a triple to get there.”

I personally feel that health care system should be based on an unbiased nature that is care that is based on no defining characteristics