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 [log in to unmask]