Many years ago, an encounter on an airplane left me deeply unsettled. What began as a typical flight quickly turned into a stark lesson about prejudice and the silent assumptions people carry. This experience, though unpleasant, has since illuminated for me the critical importance of representation, particularly the profound impact that visible, accomplished Black men can have in fields like medicine. It underscored how crucial it is for society to see and acknowledge the presence of Good Looking Black Male Doctors, not just for the sake of diversity, but to actively dismantle ingrained biases and foster a more equitable and trusting environment for everyone.
It was during a college trip home from St. Louis to Houston. The air was crisp, and I was dressed in the comfortable uniform of a student – sweatpants and a hoodie. Shortly after settling into my seat, a middle-aged white woman took the seat beside me. We exchanged the usual polite greetings, the kind shared between strangers confined to the same space for a couple of hours. However, the civility soon dissolved. Over the course of that flight, this woman subjected me to a barrage of criticisms. She judged my attire, my manner of speaking, and then delivered the most stinging blow: “Nobody will ever take you seriously. You’ll never be successful.”
That statement resonated deeply, forcing me to confront a painful question: Is this the image people conjure when they see someone who looks like me? This encounter became a recurring point of reflection, a puzzle I’ve often tried to solve. What could have motivated such unwarranted negativity? It became clear that my fellow passenger saw only a young black man in casual clothes, projecting an image of failure and hopelessness, utterly blind to the possibility of the doctor I was soon to become.
This incident, I believe, stemmed from a lack of exposure. I suspect this woman’s life had offered few opportunities to interact with successful black men. This realization has solidified my conviction that increased visibility of accomplished black professionals can fundamentally shift perspectives and challenge deeply rooted prejudices. If more people had the chance to know and interact with good looking black male doctors and other professionals, wouldn’t their preconceived notions begin to erode?
Bias and racial prejudice are not innate; they are learned, often starting at a surprisingly young age. Studies indicate that children as young as five begin to develop racial biases. As they become aware of racial differences, they start forming associations based on appearances. Negative attitudes from parents and the pervasive lack of positive minority representation in media can exacerbate this issue, leading children to become wary and judgmental of those who look different from them.
These misperceptions of black men persist, particularly among individuals with limited real-world interactions with them. It’s likely that for many Americans, the mental image of a black man is not inherently positive. However, reality paints a different picture. The vast majority of black men are simply individuals leading ordinary lives, holding jobs, and navigating daily routines like everyone else. Yet, this reality remains obscured for those who lack regular exposure.
The experience of being treated by a good looking black male doctor can be a powerful catalyst for change. I witness this transformative effect in my practice daily. When children observe their parents interacting with me, they see respect and trust being exchanged. The doctor-patient relationship inherently fosters a unique bond of trust. I still hold vivid memories of my own childhood physician, Dr. Nina Miller, a white woman whom I deeply respected and admired.
Sadly, the likelihood of encountering a black male doctor in the U.S. remains discouragingly low. Black men have been historically underrepresented in medicine, currently comprising only about 2% of U.S. physicians. Alarmingly, the number of black male applicants to medical school is not increasing; in fact, it declined between 1978 and 2014.
This concerning trend has serious implications, especially for the health of the black community. Research has shown that black men, who already face the lowest life expectancy among all ethnic groups, are more inclined to adhere to preventative health recommendations when treated by black doctors. Representation truly matters, and in healthcare, it can be a matter of life and death.
To reverse this decline and ensure a more equitable future in medicine, we must actively encourage more black boys to consider medical careers. This is why I established “Black Men in White Coats.” This initiative utilizes video testimonials featuring black physicians from institutions like UT Southwestern, sharing their personal journeys and insights into how race has influenced their careers. Our aim is to demonstrate to young people that with perseverance and dedication, they can overcome obstacles and become the positive role models our society urgently needs.
My hope is that every child will have the opportunity to be cared for by a good looking black male doctor. Such interactions can cultivate trust and respect, fostering positive early-life relationships with black men. Perhaps then, more people will recognize that individuals who look like me, regardless of their attire, are just as likely to be sincere, intelligent, and compassionate.
