Missed Diagnosis

May 19, 09

It is astonishing to read Dr. Richard Garcia's article "The Misuse of Race in Medical Diagnosis" and continue to have trust in a medical system. We (both men and women) are taught early on to trust our doctors; that our good health is a priority to them; and that they are able to be objective and non-judgemental. This article is contrary to many of these beliefs.

I shared this article with my husband and his first question was 'how would they determine Connor's race?' You see, my husband is of German/British descent and is blond with blue eyes, I'm of West Indian descent with black hair, brown eyes and brown skin. Our son shares many of our traits, but at a quick glance one would easily assume that he is Caucasian...with his 'whitish' complexion, light brown hair and (to quote a lovely octogenarian lady, who saw me feeding him at the hospital when he was only three weeks old) "a very North American" name. Well, it's part Irish and German. So I guess one day when he goes to the doctor without Mommy, his chart will read '14yr old, white male....'

What purpose does this serve to label individuals so recklessly? Not only is it offensive, it can also be dangerous as noted by Dr. Garcia. Another example from my family, is my Grandmother, who at 73 diagnosed her own breast cancer. However, for months her doctors tried to convince her that it was nothing...and not one even suggested any sort of investigation to actually rule it out. Her persistence paid off and eventually she did receive treatment and will celebrate her 82 year in October. Again, because she was over the pre-established age for breast cancer screening she could have been one of the many, many cases that do not have a happy ending. And it doesn't end there, when I mention my concerns to my doctor about breast cancer it is dealt with indirectly by evading my question and asking instead "are there any women on your mother's side that had breast cancer at an early age?".

I agree with the author's point that "...when "race" cannot possibly matter, let us omit it." That is my hope for the future that my son inherits.