Simmons University Highlights Dr. Uché Blackstock’s Legacy on Racism in Medicine
What the Community Read Taught Us About Systemic Inequities
On October 22, 2025, the Simmons University campus hosted a community read event featuring Dr. Uché Blackstock, author of Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine. The session, co‑sponsored by the Division of Student Engagement, the Provost’s Office, and the University Library, explored how historical and contemporary practices in the United States have shaped the presence of Black physicians and the quality of care received by communities of color. The talk was followed by a book signing, a brief discussion on Community Read, and an invitation to learn more about health‑equity initiatives at Simmons.
From Generational Inspiration to Public Advocacy
Dr. Blackstock began her address by displaying a 1978 photograph of herself, her twin sister, and their mother, Dr. Dale Gloria Blackstock, a pioneering Black physician who broke socioeconomic barriers to serve a Brooklyn community. The image served as a reminder that her mother’s legacy continues to inspire her own work. “It’s about finding your purpose and being part of the change,” she said, underscoring the personal connection that fuels her public engagement.
Her mother’s career illustrates a broader pattern: Black physicians historically were an exception in a system crafted to limit their access to medical education and practice. Dr. Blackstock notes that Black individuals represent 13 % of the U.S. population but account for only 5.4 % of licensed physicians – a gap that is rooted in both historical exclusion and modern institutional bias.
The Flexner Report and the Closure of HBCU Medical Schools
In the early twentieth century, the Flexner Report – commissioned by the American Medical Association and the Carnegie Foundation – imposed a “gold standard” for medical training. While it aimed to improve quality, the report also closed five historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with medical programs. Dr. Blackstock explains that closing those schools eliminated the potential training of 25,000–35,000 Black physicians, a loss that is still felt today. The closure is a stark example of how policies framed as reforms can perpetuate inequity.
Impact on Patient Care: Racial Concordance Matters
One key theme in Dr. Blackstock’s presentation was racial concordance – the idea that a clinician sharing a patient’s racial background can improve communication, trust, and adherence. Research cited during the talk shows Black patients of color are more likely to follow recommendations, get vaccinated, and engage with treatment plans when cared for by clinicians who reflect their own racial identity. This finding highlights the critical role of Black physicians in addressing USA healthcare disparities.
Illustrating the Historical Roots of Racism in Medicine
Dr. Blackstock undertook a personal investigation into how the biomedical field has, at times, exploited people of color. She cited two of the most infamous examples: the use of Henrietta Lacks’s HeLa cells without consent, and J. Marion Sims’s experimental surgeries on enslaved Black women. These incidents underscore how advances in medical science have often been bought at the expense of marginalized individuals.
Chronic Misclassification of Kidney Function
A contemporary example from the talk involved the standard equations used to estimate kidney function. The equations assign a different “normal” range for African American patients. By doing so, they have delayed referrals to nephrology and deprioritized Blacks on kidney transplant waiting lists – effectively codifying a form of racial bias in everyday diagnostic practice.
Sickle Cell Disease: A Neglected “Black” Condition
Dr. Blackstock also highlighted how sickle cell disease has, for too long, been considered a “Black disease.” Because of this classification, it has received less research funding and public attention than other conditions, leading to inadequate preventive care and increased emergency department visits.
Strategies for Reconciliation and Repair
Beyond pointing out injustices, Dr. Blackstock outlined actionable steps clinicians can take to advance health equity:
- Embrace Humility: Approach every patient as an expert on their own body, and actively listen for their concerns.
- Acknowledge the Past: Integrate the history of racism in medicine into medical education and patient conversations to foster transparency and trust.
Apply evidence‑based metrics that track disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for patients of color. Engage in public discourse, write op‑eds, and collaborate with legislators to shape equitable health policy. Create programs like the Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program to support aspiring Black physicians and other underrepresented groups.
My Journey: Turning Knowledge into Action
Dr. Blackstock shared that her journey began in medical school when she learned about the hidden, sometimes sinister, aspects of medical discoveries. By the time she reached residency, she recognized the need for public advocacy. In recent years, she has leveraged her media visibility to influence pandemic‑related policies that benefitted marginalized communities.
Advice for Aspiring Health Professionals
To the listeners who are students at Simmons, Dr. Blackstock offered a direct call to action: think beyond individual competence and consider the societal impact of your future practice. She urges students to “turn knowledge into action” and reminds them: “Legacy is for everyone. It’s about finding your purpose and being part of the change.”
Building a Health‑Equity Mindset
- Identify personal values that align with equity and inclusion.
- Seek out interdisciplinary learning opportunities – such as Simmons’ Health Equity and Social Justice courses.
- Join student or alumni groups that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Request mentorship from faculty who champion health‑equity research.
- Apply lessons from historical cases, such as HeLa and Sims, to contemporary patient care practices.
Expand Your Knowledge: Resources and Next Steps
Those interested in deeper engagement with health equity should explore Simmons University’s ongoing initiatives:
- Community Read program – a semester‑long, student‑led exploration of critical literature on social justice.
- Health Equity Initiative – research, outreach, and training focused on closing healthcare disparities.
- Advancing Health Equity – for guidance on embedding equity in clinical practice and leadership.
Take the Next Step in Your Health‑Equity Journey
Explore Simmons University’s Health Equity programs to learn how you can contribute to reducing race‑based disparities in the U.S. healthcare system.
Submit your application today if you’re interested in pursuing a degree that equips you to lead this vital work.
Schedule a free consultation with a career advisor to discuss how your interests can align with a future in health equity.
For more insights and to stay updated on events, visit the Simmons University website and follow our social media channels for the latest news on health‑equity initiatives.
