Doctors often use mathematical equations to calculate a person’s lung function, risk of kidney disease and other aspects of health. The answers help determine what treatment to select, whether to place a person on a transplant list, and even whether they’re eligible for disability benefits or certain jobs.
But many of these equations adjust the math based on a person’s race, often downplaying health risks in Black people and other people of color.
Usha Lee McFarling (above), an award-winning science correspondent with the medical news website STAT, discusses her coverage of race corrected algorithms.
See “Reporting on race-free equations: A how-to with Usha Lee McFarling” (August 19, 2024)
