Is this only a United States race relations based problem or does it have
international implications?
 
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 2 Nov 1994 16:07:57 -0800
From: Elliott Butler-Evans <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: A Sensitive Issue about Black Doctors and White Doctors
 
Again I find myself posting on an issue that I have strong feelings about
but that I feel awkward discussing. The problem is as follows. My
institution, the University of California at Santa Barbara, offers to
faculty health insurance through a network called UC Care. Under new
regulations, each subscriber will have to choose a Primary Care Physician,
who will coordinate all of his/her medical needs and make appropriate
recommendations. This PCP must come from the area in which one resides or
the plan is far more costly. And here is the rub: In the Santa Barbara
County, there are no black doctors!
 
I have argued that this works to the disadvantage of Black employees who
feel a need to have a black doctor.  I strongly believe that a doctor does
more than address biological concerns but develops a strong rapport with a
patient. I know that if I had a major illness, many of my fears would be
allayed were I being treated by a black physician. To me the situation is
somewhat analagous to that in which a woman would indicate a preference
for a female OGBYN rather than a male because she would be more
comfortable.  The issue here is not medical competence. Rather I am taking
the position that a cultural factor enters. I would like to hear how other
people on this list feel about this.
 
Elliott Butler-Evans
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