Examining the Efficacy of Precision Medicine in Mitigating Health-Care Disparities for Black Women

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Abstract

Since the first Africans were brought over in the 1600s, Black bodies have been exploited for social and economic growth, with little compensation for their sacrifices. In the modern age, medical technology has advanced very quickly, but with the ever present threat of racism, both structural and individual, threatening the possibility for equal and equitable access. This paper delves into the historical evidence of systemic and individual racism in medicine, and what those findings imply for the future of precision medicine (PM). Despite the very common issue of inequitable treatment in medicine, this paper is not arguing whether PM offers people of color benefits, and it is assumed that PM in any form will improve the quality of care for many, it merely explores the entrenched system of racism in which the healthcare system operates in, and the implications if racism continues to expand.
Viewing the issue through a feminist and critical race theory lens opens the door to analyzing reasonable consequences and solutions for the lack of equitable medical care for Black women, and for Black Americans in general. The intricacies of discrimination can best be examined when considering the many applications of discrimination to a particular group of people.
Overall, through the use of historical and social inquiry, the paper establishes context for the argument and dives into the power roles at play manifesting through race and gender by citing meta-analyses of the experiences of Black patients with regards to pain, video interviews, and other scholarly journals that have been peer-reviewed.
After synthesizing the many potentials and pitfalls of PM in relation to systemic racism, the author comes to the conclusion that PM, despite the efforts being made to reduce discrimination, will perpetuate the unequal standards of care that Black women have faced for centuries. Racism is too prevalent in medicine for one development to “solve,” and it will continue to rear its ugly head until significant endeavors have been made.
The findings of this study provides valuable insights to improve equitable care for Black Americans, especially Black women, in the American healthcare system. Outlining the issues and the possible steps that we can take to move forward presents a path for future research to follow and contribute.

Author

• Pennie Lu, Montgomery High School