An Analysis of Professional Education for Future Physicians to Address Implicit Racial Bias in Black Maternal Health

Author

Jasmine ButlerFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-11-2024

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Ashley Jones

Second Advisor

Hannah Allen

Third Advisor

Jamiko Deleveaux

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

The history of medicine in the United States is littered with incidences of racism and exploitation of Black Americans. The extensive history of medical racism has continued to be perpetuated in healthcare today. Within the field of maternal health, the dark history of medicine shows its face with the treatment of black mothers. Black maternal health is a current public health crisis currently being exacerbated through discrimination in the form of implicit bias. Implicit bias is a current issue in our healthcare system that needs to be addressed through adequate training of both medical students and physicians. This qualitative research study explored how medical schools are structuring their curricula to address implicit bias. Data was collected from two participants with 5 overarching themes discovered through thematic analysis: (1) a ranging definition of implicit bias and how it manifests, (2) how medical school curricula is not structured in regards to addressing implicit bias and race, (3) a noticeable need for diverse training in medical schools, (4) the effect student experiences can have on bias, and (5) current controversy and discussions regarding race and D.E.I in higher institutions of learning. Through this study and analysis, it is evident that the current medical education urgently needs mandated courses regarding bias, race, and cultural competence.

Recommended Citation

Butler, Jasmine, "An Analysis of Professional Education for Future Physicians to Address Implicit Racial Bias in Black Maternal Health" (2024). Honors Theses. 3144.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3144

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