The Rise of Black Doctors in Detroit: Transforming Healthcare and Inspiring Change

• Lynzee Mychael
• June 28, 2023

Over the past few years, there has been a notable upswing in the advocacy endeavors of Black doctors and healthcare professionals in Detroit. This surge has had far-reaching effects for both the city and its inhabitants, bringing about significant and wide-ranging effects. This surge has marked a turning point in the healthcare landscape of Detroit, as these dedicated individuals have amplified their voices and taken proactive steps to address pressing issues and promote positive change in the community’s well-being.

According to the most recent data from the Association of American Medical Colleges, approximately 5.7 percent of physicians in the United States identify as Black or African American. However, this figure does not accurately represent the diverse communities they serve, considering that an estimated 12 percent of the U.S. population is Black or African American. This disparity highlights the need for greater representation and inclusivity in the medical field to ensure that healthcare providers better reflect and understand the experiences and healthcare needs of all individuals.

Health disparities in the Black community stem from significant and enduring gaps in health outcomes and healthcare access when compared to other racial and ethnic groups. These disparities are also influenced by a range of social, economic and systemic factors that contribute to unequal health outcomes. These inequalities include higher rates of chronic diseases, limited access to quality healthcare, implicit bias and discrimination and cultural barriers.

Black individuals face a disproportionate burden of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers, leading to poorer health outcomes and reduced life expectancy. Exacerbated by structural barriers including inadequate health insurance coverage, limited access to healthcare facilities and geographic disparities, results in unequal access to quality healthcare. Implicit bias and racial discrimination within the healthcare system continue to contribute to disparities in the quality and appropriateness of care received by Black individuals.

Biases, whether conscious or unconscious, can influence healthcare providers’ decision-making, leading to inequitable treatment recommendations, pain management approvals and overall quality of care. Additionally, cultural and linguistic barriers hinder effective communication and understanding between Black patients and healthcare providers, potentially leading to misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment and diminished patient satisfaction.

Progress is being made in Michigan with regards to the inclusion of more Black doctors in the healthcare workforce. In the state, where the Black population is at 14 percent, the representation of Black doctors stands at 5.1 percent. While these figures indicate positive steps forward, there is still room for improvement to ensure that the medical profession more accurately reflects the diversity of the population it serves.

Central City Integrated Health is making positive noise in the medical field with the recent appointment of David Wash as the new Chief Medical Officer. Wash has been practicing medicine for 24 years and received his medical degree from Wayne State University’s School of Medicine in 1999. He is a board-certified family medicine physician with a secondary specialization in emergency medicine and value-based care.

Wash is described as “widely respected” and “a strong advocate for preventative medicine.” Coming from a place of advocacy and understanding, he has a reputation for educating his patients, ensuring that they can make informed and proactive decisions about their healthcare. In his position, Wash will serve as a vital link between senior leadership, physicians, health clinicians and support staff, fostering effective communication and collaboration. He will play a key role in the recruitment and mentorship of physicians and other health clinicians, nurturing their professional development within the organization.

To effectively address health disparities in the Black community, a comprehensive and multifaceted approach is necessary. This includes various strategies such as:

1. Increasing Access to Healthcare: Expanding insurance coverage and establishing community health centers in underserved areas can improve access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare services for Black individuals.
2. Promoting Culturally Competent Care: Increasing diversity in the healthcare workforce and providing training on the unique needs and experiences of Black patients can ensure that healthcare professionals deliver culturally sensitive and appropriate care.
3. Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Implementing policies that tackle social determinants of health, such as improving educational opportunities, reducing poverty and eliminating residential segregation can help alleviate health disparities in the Black community.
4. Investing in Community-Based Initiatives: Supporting community-based initiatives that focus on health promotion, disease prevention and early intervention can have a significant impact on reducing health disparities among Black individuals.
5. Enhancing Data Collection and Research: Improving data collection and research efforts can provide a better understanding of the underlying causes of health disparities and facilitate the development of evidence-based interventions to address them effectively.

Recognizing and actively addressing health disparities in the Black community is crucial for establishing a more equitable healthcare system where individuals from all backgrounds have equal opportunities for good health. One impactful step toward this goal is to increase the representation of Black doctors within the healthcare workforce. By ensuring adequate representation and placing Black doctors in leadership roles, their influence can drive systemic change and contribute to eliminating health disparities. This approach recognizes the unique perspectives and experiences of Black doctors and harnesses their potential to reshape the healthcare landscape into a more inclusive and just system for all.

About Post Author

Lynzee Mychael

Lynzee Mychael is a Journalist, Creative Director, Music Expert, Content Curator, and proud Detroiter. This culturally inclined writer is a natural with topics around entertainment, hot topics, events, and candid conversations about life.

Her hobbies include reading, concert hopping, traveling with family and friends, and being the life of the party. She resides on the Westside of Detroit with her husband, children, and fur babies.