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A review by bookaroundandfindout
Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives and on the Health of Our Nation by Linda Villarosa
5.0
Linda Villarosa is an amazing researcher and writer who has become a bridge between the grassroots movement for healthcare change and the marginalized population of Black people, particularly Black women. Her dedication to bringing the stories of real people and humanity into the discourse about the lack of representation and respect in the healthcare field for Black people has truly inspired me, and I’m sure it will inspire anyone else who reads her work.
I highly recommend this book to understand the structure of racism from its historical roots to its integration into the healthcare field and education. Learning the stories of others and the initiatives people are undertaking in their communities is crucial for paving the way for betterment.
Linda splits her book into 10 chapters covering topics such as the education of doctors and healthcare professionals, why “being Black” isn’t a diagnosis, the unfair and unjustified medical devices and testing practices, the lack of information for the most vulnerable people, and so much more. She delves deeply into the concept of medical racism, exploring how historical misconceptions about Black bodies continue to influence modern medical practices and contribute to health disparities.
One of the key points Villarosa makes is about the systemic neglect and abuse that Black patients face in the healthcare system. She highlights how deeply ingrained biases and stereotypes lead to significant disparities in treatment and outcomes. For instance, Black women are more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, a fact that underscores the urgent need for systemic change.
Another critical aspect Villarosa discusses is the psychological toll of racism on Black individuals. She explains how the chronic stress of living in a racially biased society can lead to severe health consequences, including higher rates of hypertension and heart disease among Black people. This connection between mental health and physical health is an essential point that underscores the pervasive impact of racism.
Please, please read this. If you remotely care about healthcare, if you’re a doctor, a nurse, a technician, or any person in the health-related field, you should read this. Villarosa's work is not just a call to action but a blueprint for how we can start to make meaningful changes in the healthcare system to ensure equity and justice for all.
Amazing work Linda, I truly feel well informed, enraged, humbled, and hungry to see what I can do to help.
I highly recommend this book to understand the structure of racism from its historical roots to its integration into the healthcare field and education. Learning the stories of others and the initiatives people are undertaking in their communities is crucial for paving the way for betterment.
Linda splits her book into 10 chapters covering topics such as the education of doctors and healthcare professionals, why “being Black” isn’t a diagnosis, the unfair and unjustified medical devices and testing practices, the lack of information for the most vulnerable people, and so much more. She delves deeply into the concept of medical racism, exploring how historical misconceptions about Black bodies continue to influence modern medical practices and contribute to health disparities.
One of the key points Villarosa makes is about the systemic neglect and abuse that Black patients face in the healthcare system. She highlights how deeply ingrained biases and stereotypes lead to significant disparities in treatment and outcomes. For instance, Black women are more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, a fact that underscores the urgent need for systemic change.
Another critical aspect Villarosa discusses is the psychological toll of racism on Black individuals. She explains how the chronic stress of living in a racially biased society can lead to severe health consequences, including higher rates of hypertension and heart disease among Black people. This connection between mental health and physical health is an essential point that underscores the pervasive impact of racism.
Please, please read this. If you remotely care about healthcare, if you’re a doctor, a nurse, a technician, or any person in the health-related field, you should read this. Villarosa's work is not just a call to action but a blueprint for how we can start to make meaningful changes in the healthcare system to ensure equity and justice for all.
Amazing work Linda, I truly feel well informed, enraged, humbled, and hungry to see what I can do to help.