February is often called the month of love, but it is also nationally recognized as Black History Month. It is a time to reflect on moments of pride, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, as well as the ongoing harm Black communities continue to face.
One of those spaces is healthcare, a system where “care” often feels like a misnomer. For many Black patients, cold white walls aren’t just unwelcoming; they are reminders of a system that frequently fails to see our full humanity. These experiences are not just history — they are happening now.
A big contributor to these disparities is the lack of Black healthcare providers. While Black people make up about 13% of the U.S. population, only about 5% of physicians and a staggering 4% of psychologists identify as Black. This representation gap creates a massive barrier to access. When we do seek help, we are often met by providers who do not share our lived experiences, allowing unconscious bias to reinforce harmful misconceptions, including the false belief that Black people experience less pain. To be clear: this is a myth — and a very dangerous one.
There are several other myths that have long shaped healthcare experiences for Black patients, including:
- The belief that Black people have thicker skin
- The belief that Black people have less sensitive nerve endings
- The belief that Black people’s blood coagulates (changes) faster
- The belief that Black individuals are more capable of handling trauma without professional mental health intervention
All of these claims are false.
Yet despite efforts to educate newer generations of healthcare professionals, the damage caused by these myths has already been deeply rooted in medical systems.
Because of these misconceptions, Black patients often face:
- Racial bias in medical decision-making
- Harmful characterizations of their tone and behavior as aggressive
- Reduced access to appropriate pain management
- Providers overlooking or minimizing pain
- Underestimation of the severity of medical conditions
These outcomes are not accidental. They are the result of systemic bias that continues to affect patient care.
As a student pursuing medicine, I have witnessed the impact of these myths firsthand in clinical observations. Hospitals are places where I feel hope and excitement, but many Black patients experience something very different. Instead of comfort, they carry feelings of distrust, fear, and disappointment. These emotions are shaped by repeated experiences of being unheard or dismissed.
Because of this history, many Black patients:
- Feel uncomfortable fully disclosing symptoms, in part out of fear of being labeled unstable
- Avoid seeking care due to fear of bias
- Worry they will not be taken seriously
- Face stigma surrounding mental health treatment
These obstacles overlap and reinforce one another, creating a cycle that discourages care and worsens outcomes.
Personally, I am fortunate to have access to Black medical professionals in my community, access that has made a difference in how safe and supported I feel in healthcare spaces. That access is the difference between feeling “seen” and feeling “processed.” However, this is not the reality for everyone, which is why speaking openly about Black experiences in healthcare is one of the most important steps toward change.
The gradual increase in the number of Black providers offers hope for the future. One day, healthcare will reflect teams of providers from many backgrounds, not just white coats on white faces. Until then, community care reminds Black patients that they are worthy of equal treatment.
This Black History Month, don’t just look back — help write the next chapter. If you’ve felt unheard in the exam room or dismissed by a counselor, know that your experience is real and the treatment you received is not okay. When we share our stories and support one another in finding culturally competent care, we create a ripple effect that challenges systemic bias. By reclaiming the narrative around Black bodies and creating safe spaces where we are truly heard, we move closer to a healthcare system rooted in dignity and equity.
Did you know that you can share your story on the Active Minds blog? Visit our website to learn more — your words could be exactly what someone needs to hear.
