Racism and Discrimination

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

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.




The I Do’s … and Don’ts of Medicine

Our task in donning roles of professionalism as health care providers comes hand-in-hand with all the aspects of our identity and the tolls that come with it. This is especially significant as the younger generation, consisting of more and more intersectional identities, becomes more commonplace not only in society at large but also in the health care world. However, when this ideal of professionalism is compounded by someone like me — a minority woman colored by a recurrent, pervasive backdrop of objectification for pleasure by Caucasian cultures; a female person of color who feels the need to tread carefully to succeed in a field historically dominated by men — where does it leave us?

“What’s Your Name?”: The Question That Can Make All the Difference

In line with my training, I have been taught to identify myself by name and position when introducing myself to patients. And so I do: I say, “My name is Rasan Cherala and I am a fourth-year medical student who will be taking care of you today.” This introduction is supposed to set the stage for a productive relationship.

A Different Perspective on Gender in Medicine

I have never felt as though my gender has affected my ability to succeed in medicine. I have never received “the short end of the stick,” and I have never felt discriminated against in any way. My medical knowledge and clinical reasoning have never been questioned because I am a woman, and no preceptor has ever doubted my career aspirations, no matter how grandiose they might seem.

Chaitali Korgaonkar Chaitali Korgaonkar (1 Posts)

Medical Student Contributing Writer

Albany Medical College

I am currently a medical student at Albany Medical College. I love listening to music, playing video games, cooking, baking, and hanging out with my cat Cinnamon in my free time. My medical interests are primarily in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. I am originally from Connecticut, and have loved living in New England for most of my life. Hope you enjoy reading some of my pieces!