Diagnosing our National Disease

Academic medicine is taking a hard look at its role in the long-standing systemic and institutional racism that Black Americans have faced when engaging with teaching hospitals, medical schools, and research programs — an experience that historically has fostered distrust of medicine and health care within the Black community. David J. Skorton, MD, AAMC president and CEO, talks with Lonnie G. Bunch III, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, about how the history of racism in medical schools, clinical care, and research has impacted academic medicine’s relationship with the Black community. They discuss what can be done to regain trust and become allies and partners in their health and wellness.

Episode Guest:

• Lonnie G. Bunch III is the 14th secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. He assumed his position June 16, 2019. As secretary, he oversees 19 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, numerous research centers, and several education units and centers. In service to the historical and cultural community, Bunch has served on the advisory boards of the American Association of Museums and the American Association for State and Local History. In 2005, Bunch was named one of the 100 most influential museum professionals of the 20th century by the American Association of Museums.

You Might Also Be Interested In:

• AAMC Racism and Health Resources
• “Why I gave up my dream of leading diversity efforts in medicine,” AAMCNews
• “Racism and Discrimination in Health Care: Providers and Patients,” Harvard Health Publishing
• “How Structural Racism Affects Healthcare,” MedPage Today
• Podcast: Racial Health Disparities: How COVID-19 Magnified a Public Health Emergency
• More from the “Beyond the White Coat” Podcast

Episode Credits:

• Hosted by David J. Skorton, MD, AAMC president and CEO.
• Produced by Stephanie Weiner, AAMC director of digital strategy and engagement, and Kathy Gambrell, AAMC senior digital content strategist.
• Introduction written and narrated by, and episode recorded and edited by, Laura Zelaya, AAMC production manager.
• With special contributions from Zenneia McLendon, AAMC director of digital content strategy; Brandon Brown, AAMC senior outreach specialist; and Sholape Oriola, AAMC video specialist.