Do Medical Professionals Truly Understand Black Women's Needs?

Part 1 of the Debunking Health Myths Series

I recently attended the inaugural EmpowerHer Black Women's Health Conference in Boston, MA. While it was inspiring to witness clinicians, policy leaders, and patients exchange ideas, one recurring theme stood out. Many Black women in the room — even some who were doctors themselves — shared a troubling truth: They didn’t trust the medical system. 

I get it. After losing my father two years ago, I found myself saying the same thing: I don’t trust that our medical system has the Black community's best interest at heart. That is part of why Enhance Black W/omen’s Health exists in the first place: I didn’t see the same investment in Black women that I see in other groups in the United States. I believe that it’s the lack of investment in Black women that is contributing to the Black maternal health crisis that exists today in the United States. 

So, in honor of Health Literacy Month, we will debunk four common health myths for October. One of the most significant health myths we need to confront is that medical professionals always understand the needs of Black women. That myth is costing lives, and it’s time we address it. 

Health Myth: Medical Professionals Always Understand the Needs of Black Women

It’s easy to assume that medical professionals, trained to deliver care based on science and data, naturally understand the needs of every patient. Unfortunately, Black women’s health tells a different story. Systemic racism and implicit bias play profound roles in shaping how care is delivered, and far too often, Black women’s pain, symptoms, and concerns are dismissed. 

Despite their training, many healthcare providers are not equipped to meet the unique needs of Black women due to the pervasive effects of bias and cultural insensitivity in medical care. Let’s break down the reality of this myth and its dangerous implications:

1. The Dismissal of Black Women’s Pain

Research has shown that Black women are less likely to have their pain taken seriously by healthcare providers compared to White women. Some research has suggested this can be linked back to enslavement and the fallacy that Black patients have a higher pain tolerance than White patients.

For Black women, this means being sent home without proper treatment, even when they are at risk for life-threatening conditions like preeclampsia. Even in the case of Serena Williams’ who is one of the most accomplished athletes in the world, after giving birth to her first child, her concerns about her health were initially dismissed despite her knowledge of a pre-existing condition. That almost caused her to lose her life. If someone of her status struggles to be heard by healthcare providers, imagine what happens to women without the platform or resources to advocate for themselves.

2. The Lack of Cultural Competency in Healthcare

Cultural competency in healthcare is more than just a checkbox in medical training; it’s a critical component of delivering equitable care. Being culturally competent is about recognizing culture's impact on each individual's experiences. When providers fail to understand the cultural context of Black women’s health concerns, they miss opportunities to provide truly patient-centered care.

For example, Black women are more likely to face conditions like fibroids, hypertension, and diabetes at higher rates than other groups. However, their treatment often doesn’t consider their lived experiences — including the societal stressors that exacerbate these conditions, such as racism and economic instability.

3. The Trust Gap

The medical system has historically failed Black women, leading to a trust gap that is deeply rooted in painful experiences. From the unethical Tuskegee experiments to forced sterilizations of Black women, the legacy of harm remains. For that reason, Black patients are less likely to trust the healthcare system, which can lead them to delay or avoid care — sometimes with tragic consequences.

Therefore, it’s time to debunk the myth that medical professionals always understand Black women’s needs. The truth is, while healthcare providers are dedicated to healing, many lack the cultural competency and training needed to deliver equitable care to Black women. This gap in understanding is why Black women continue to face alarming disparities in maternal health, cardiovascular disease, and chronic conditions.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

You can make a meaningful impact by recognizing Black women's barriers and committing to deepening your understanding of their unique health needs. Let’s start by subscribing to the EBWH Community Newsletter. Every week, you’ll receive practical tips, training, and resources to help healthcare providers deliver care that acknowledges each patient’s lived experience. It’s time to create a healthcare system that listens, respects, and advocates for Black women. Will you join us?