Changing America's Healthcare System by Briaunna

Changing America's Healthcare System by Briaunna - June 2020 Scholarship Essay

In the United States, we have a continuous problem of under-delivering sufficient health care. A recent study from Johns Hopkins explains, “preventable medical error is now the third leading cause of death in the United States.” Our healthcare system focuses on advancing healthcare rather than promoting quality healthcare. When African Americans go to the doctor they do not receive the same level of care as a White individual. Racism is a public health crisis. Every illness such as heart failure, diabetes, pneumonia, etc. has a standard care treatment, a treatment that most likely to work. However, studies have shown that African Americans are not offered these treatments as frequently as Caucasians. Lastly, African Americans are even less likely to get their pain adequately controlled when going to the emergency room and I can attest to this. Growing up in South Central L.A, the nearest hospital is about 20 minutes away from my home but because of our community, medical professionals provide minimal care. My brother was complaining of labored breathing and because he was no longer “diagnosed” with asthma, they gave us a paper bag and told us to wait. We waited for about an hour before he passed out. As a result of this, I decided that I will dedicate my future putting my best effort forward to provide exceptional care to each and every person despite their skin color, their hometown, and/or their salary. I made it my goal to become a cardiothoracic surgeon and practice medicine to the best of my ability despite the community.
As an African American female, I am aware of the challenges I will face as I pursue my dreams so I will establish my support systems by joining African American organizations on campus such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. This sorority will allow me to support my community through volunteering, develop leadership skills, understand my identity as a Black person, and form lasting relationships that will help me succeed in my journey. My goal is to start my medical journey as soon as possible which begins with becoming my Certified Nursing Assistance to gain medical experience and volunteering at California Pacific Medical Center. Because of my brother, I would like to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. Eventually, I would like to become the Head of Cardio and change the face of medical professionals by inspiring other females and African Americans to join me in my journey of medical renovation. My goal is to highlight the medical disparity between minorities and majorities and work to implement changes that favor minorities. I plan to use my background and community to strive for success. I learned that addressing this intolerance starts on an individual level. In order to prove the worthiness of African Americans, I have to apply to institutions that African Americans are afraid of. Becoming a part of communities that lack African American communities will allow me to influence this culture within my community, the organizations I am apart of, and within the African American community itself. I have to take my knowledge and career skills to emphasize and make an impact on society that will eventually transcend globally.