(ThyBlackMan.com) The North Carolina Medical Journal has reported that the proportion of minorities in the healthcare system is not improving, despite efforts from the government. What this means is that it is far more likely that a black male will be seen by a female or non-minority doctor than his counterpart would.
Black males who may feel more comfortable seeing another black male doctor might go without treatment because of self-consciousness or the fear of being judged. This can be improved if more black males were to pursue an online masters in health administration, where both employment and outreach effort decisions are frequently made. Maryville University offers courses in the healthcare administration field that can be satisfied via the internet, so you can get into this profession from anyplace in the world. For a better understanding of this topic, here are the four primary reason that more minority males would benefit their communities by becoming healthcare professionals.
1. Permanent Job Stability
Members of the healthcare community will tell you that job stability was a big draw when they were looking over their employment options. No one wants to feel like their job is constantly on the line and medical professionals are in such demand that they have little concern of being downsized. This is one benefit that minority males would enjoy if more became healthcare professionals.
2. Better Quality of Care
There have been many reports that African Americans living in urban environments receive poor medical care. It may be because fewer skilled doctors are willing to work in these areas, but it could also be because patients are unable to effectively communicate what their healthcare needs are. More involvement by minority males could help to put an end to patient care quality issues.
3. Improved Understanding of Minority Patient Needs
Some health conditions such as sickle cell are much more prevalent in African Americans. Although all doctors are trained to provide treatment, a better understanding could be attained if the people treating patients had more personal experience with specific diseases. In turn, the healthcare community could provide better resources and work to eradicate some of these illnesses and conditions. As obesity is also a problem in the African American community, having more minority male nurses, physicians, and dieticians might lead to more patients meeting their weight loss goals.
4. Providing Inspiration to Future Generations
Many times, when children decide what they want to do when they grow up they are able to see living, breathing examples of people who resemble them. It can be kind of difficult for minority males to see themselves becoming x-ray technicians and online MHA degree holders when don’t see people in their community accomplishing similar things. If more minority males became members of the healthcare professional community, they could provide a stronger presence and a better source of inspiration for children and young adults.
In order for the healthcare system to improve in the U.S., there needs to be equal representation in the medical field. As more men become interested in pursuing nursing, more minority men are needed to help balance everything out. If you have an interest in healthcare, you should try to inspire other minority males to explore the healthcare industry.
Staff Writer; Larry Jones
