Preface
In recent years, the intersection of race, medicine, and social justice has garnered increased attention, sparking important conversations about racial health disparities, health outcomes, research practices, and systemic inequities. However, as we will explore throughout this text, this discussion is far from new. For centuries, race has played a central role in shaping all aspects of American culture, including medical research, treatment, and access to care, often in ways that marginalized communities of color and perpetuated harmful stereotypes. The roots of racism in medicine run deep, and while progress has been made, the lingering effects of past injustices, coupled with current racial tensions, have heightened awareness and activism, sparking widespread demands for systemic change and accountability across institutions.
This book, Perspectives on Race and Racism in Health and Healthcare, brings together a diverse array of historical texts and information to explore the complexities of race in healthcare and scientific research. By examining historical events and current challenges, this book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how race has influenced, and continues to influence, the treatment and health of racial and ethnic minorities. The goal of this collection is not only to reflect on the problems that exist but also to provide historical context for how these problems were embedded in our society centuries ago and have resulted in current cultural norms that oppress individuals of color. By raising awareness of these problems and offering a critical perspective, this book aims to encourage readers to reconsider assumptions about race, medicine, and the structural systems that oppress. It also seeks to inspire thoughtful discourse and engagement that challenge the current status quo and support advocacy for those most marginalized.
This book is a four-part series that explores the influence of race and racism on biomedical research, medical education, health, and healthcare. It examines how these factors have contributed to disparities in healthcare access and the health of minority populations in the United States. Each part of the series follows a central theme, with subthemes woven throughout, and features rigorously validated, peer-reviewed content presented through text, videos, and links to additional recommended resources. This series acknowledges the significant impact of racial discrimination on people of color in the U.S. The book focuses primarily on the Black American experience while addressing other racial groups in context. The author acknowledges that the perspectives presented represent only some of the many views on these complex issues. Rather than being exhaustive, the series aims to consolidate key information on the role of racism in health and research to educate and raise awareness.
As we move forward, the hope is that this text will serve as both a call to action and a resource for scholars, healthcare professionals, and anyone committed to dismantling the harmful legacies of racism. Only by addressing these issues directly can we create a healthcare system that is equitable for all.
