Racism and Discrimination

This category contains reflections on forms of discrimination, related to racism and sexism, students have faced on their healthcare journeys.

Afua Ofori-Darko Afua Ofori-Darko (1 Posts)

Medical Student Contributing Writer

Case Western Reserve University

Afua Ofori-Darko is a first-year medical student at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Community Health. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants and playing tennis.




The Blue Collar Underneath

Entering the field of medicine can be daunting, especially if you are the first physician in the family. Current intern Dr. Ervin Anies discusses the emotions associated with assimilating into the culture of medicine and how we as providers can use our diversity to foster better relationships between providers and our patients.

A Journey to Obstetrics & Gynecology Through Structural Racism in Maternal Outcomes

Medical student Sara Phillips writes a personal reflection, grounded in scholarly literature, that details her exploration of racism as a mechanism for perpetuating disparities in maternal health outcomes. The piece traces discriminatory policies and actions undertaken by physicians and leaders in the field of obstetrics and gynecology to portray a historical origin for contemporary health inequities. Interacting with these grim stories and statistics, she reflects on what it means for her to seek out a career in OB/GYN to confront this prejudicial history and create a more just path forward.

Alicia Pugh Alicia Pugh (2 Posts)

Medical Student Contributing Writer

University of Illinois at Chicago

Alicia Pugh is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing, gardening, and volunteering.