Black Women in Medicine

Black Women in Medicine honors Black women doctors around the country who work diligently in all facets of medicine. By telling the stories of women who have persevered in medical fields, in part by overcoming barriers linked to race and gender, the film provides audiences with visions of success and fuel for self-actualization.

Showcasing the most dynamic collection of stories of Black women in medicine ever assembled, this film is designed to inspire minority youth to enter the field of medicine despite challenges they may face.

Approximately one in four persons currently living in the U.S. is Black, and the number is steadily increasing. By contrast, Blacks represent only 4.5% of the physician workforce under 40. The percentage of female minority doctors is even smaller. As minority doctors are more likely to provide care to minority, undeserved, and disadvantaged communities, their under-representation is a problem with potentially fatal consequences. Barriers separating youth of color from careers in medicine must be addressed if we are to foster a medical workforce that better reflects the diversity of the society it serves.

Black Women in Medicine amplifies the stories of trailblazing women and brings them within reach of those who most need to hear them. As we follow these stories, we journey through America’s sociopolitical evolution concerning gender equality and cultural diversification of professions. These narratives tell stories of excellence and perseverance that engage, inspire and motivate, planting seeds of aspiration in the minds of future doctors.

As former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders says in the film, "You can't be what you can't see." Black Women in Medicine replaces negative imagery – mainstream media’s false and debasing historical narrative regarding race, ethnicity, gender and character – with positive images of successful Black female doctors.

Financiado pelo capítulo Awesome Without Borders (August 2016)