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What are some of the challenges I can expect as a Black woman in medical school?

I plan to become a surgeon, specifically a plastic surgeon. I would like to know more about what challenges I can expect as a black woman becoming a surgeon. I've read that less than 3% of surgeons are black women so there must be many systemic challenges that are keeping those numbers low.

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Julie’s Answer

Hello! I'm not in the medical field, but I can respond as a black woman in corporate America. The best thing you can do is ignore the stats and be excellent. Don't let anything other than excellence be a part of your story. You will likely face many challenges, but they aren't things you can't overcome and move through. There is no limit on your potential...bring it to fruition. I KNOW you can do it!
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James’s Answer

I have worked with fantastic black women physicians in many roles. I have no doubt that there are extra hurdles that I, as a white male, did not have to overcome. Fortunately most of the biases that get in the way are not conscious. Most of those I have worked with in healthcare for many decades are grateful to have diversity amongst physicians, and we do understand that health care outcomes are enhanced when communities have physicians of their ethnicity care for them. As Julie suggested, being excellent goes a long way towards dispelling any prejudices that are out there.
There are far too few women in surgery, and too few black physicians. I am hoping that you will be successful and bend that statistic. Patients and Medicine in general will be best served if you succeed and pull others into your path.
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