In 2022, I switched primary care doctors, thinking perhaps if I saw a fellow woman of color, she would better understand me. I suspected my original PCP may have been stereotyping me, assuming that, as a Mexican-American Latina, I was probably frequently indulging in things like tortillas, tacos and tamales, which I did occasionally but not at every meal. I had virtually the same experience with my new doctor, who told me to improve my diet and get more exercise, which left me feeling even more frustrated. I understand that due to common restrictions put in place by insurance companies, doctors are often limited in the tests and referrals they can make. But at this point, I felt like I’d been sounding the alarm on several very concerning symptoms, and, in hindsight, I wish I had pressed my doctors to do more.
As it turns out, many healthcare providers are aware of and are actively working to address these disparities, which are common experiences for people who look like me. At the same time, it’s important to know that even providers of color are not immune to these unconscious biases, making it all the more important to advocate for yourself.
“Research shows that women, people of color, and individuals with larger body size are more likely to have their symptoms minimized or misattributed, leading to delayed testing and referral,” Lisa Diamond, M.D., an associate attending physician in immigrant health and cancer disparities service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, tells SELF. “Cultural competence and humility mean not just awareness of differences but a commitment to understanding each patient’s lived experience and avoiding assumptions.”
Don’t second-guess getting multiple opinions
In 2020, I visited a new ob-gyn who I’d heard was good at diagnosing women who had been experiencing unusual symptoms like my pelvic and menstrual pain, and I suspected I might have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). But he didn’t order an ultrasound or even examine me; he just took one look at me and declared I had PCOS. He prescribed phentermine, which is a weight loss drug, and also told me to walk more, just like the other doctors. I asked my brother-in-law, who is a pharmacist, about this drug, and he strongly cautioned me against taking it, so I didn’t. But I still felt pretty defeated and at a loss for answers.
