The lack of trust among Black male patients towards their physicians has been highlighted in a recent study by Aaron Henry (above), a fourth-year medical student at Howard University College of Medicine. The study, which involved a survey of 900 Black men, revealed that only 43% of respondents trusted their doctors.
Henry attributes this distrust to a long history of racism and discrimination in the medical field, citing examples such as the infamous Tuskegee Syphilis Study. He emphasizes the need for increased representation of Black men in the medical profession to help bridge the trust gap.
The study also found that Black men who had Black male doctors were more likely to trust their physicians and follow their medical advice. However, only 5% of practicing physicians in the United States are Black, highlighting the underrepresentation of this demographic in the medical field.
Henry calls for a multi-faceted approach to address this issue, including increasing diversity in medical schools, providing cultural competency training for healthcare providers, and engaging with Black communities to build trust. He stresses the importance of addressing this trust deficit, as it can have serious implications for the health outcomes of Black men.
The study was conducted as part of Henry’s medical research at Howard University, a historically Black university known for its commitment to addressing health disparities. The findings underscore the urgent need for the medical community to take action in order to ensure equitable healthcare for all.
See “Aaron Henry, PA-C, MSHS: Regaining Black Male Patient Trust in the Doctor’s Office” (May 20, 2024)
