Black Man in a White Coat

A Doctor's Reflections on Race and Medicine

By: Damon Tweedy M.D.

Narrated by: Corey Allen

Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

One doctor's passionate and profound memoir of his experience grappling with racial identity, bias, and the unique health problems of Black Americans.

When Damon Tweedy first enters the halls of Duke University Medical School on a full scholarship, he envisions a bright future where his segregated, working-class background will become largely irrelevant. Instead he finds that he has joined a new world where race is front and center. When one of his first professors mistakes him for a maintenance worker, it is a moment that crystallizes the challenges he will face throughout his early career. Making matters worse, in lecture after lecture the common refrain for numerous diseases resounds: "more common in blacks than whites."

In riveting, honest prose, Black Man in a White Coat examines the complex ways in which both Black doctors and patients must navigate the difficult and often contradictory terrain of race and medicine. As Tweedy transforms from student to practicing physician, he discovers how often race influences his encounters with patients. Through their stories, he illustrates the complex social, cultural, and economic factors at the root of most health problems in the Black community. These elements take on greater meaning when Tweedy finds himself diagnosed with a chronic disease far more common among Black people. In this powerful, moving, and compassionate book, Tweedy deftly explores the challenges confronting Black doctors and the disproportionate health burdens faced by Black patients, ultimately seeking a way forward to better treatment and more compassionate care.

©2015 Damon Tweedy (P)2015 Recorded Books

A wonderful read...

I decided to get this book because it was something different than my usual choices. I thought it would be interesting to learn about the health problems of black people. I learned so much more though. I had no idea what difficulties a black doctor faced. It was an even-handed reflection on prejudice. I was surprised at the degree of health problems he encountered. I still can't see the logic of 30 hour shifts. It was an eye-opening book. Well done.

Says a Lot that is Important about Medical Care

I got this Audiobook to learn more about the Black professional experience in Medicine. There is that, surely, but the message of this book is very important. It is the book I have always wanted to write about how poverty causes medical illness. The problems that people have with access to care, getting good food, and a general environment that makes a healthy lifestyle difficult if not impossible.

I have definitely seen the same factors affect white people. Culture affects so much. For some reason, many black women will often complain that their appetite is down when they weigh 200 pounds. They are sincerely worried and it is sometimes a huge surprise to find out that it is healthier to be lean (although not a panacea, as the author learned). As he also learned, his diet affects blood pressure. How much is this a factor in the increased problems with hypertension in the Black population. What would happen if we could magically get good food to everyone?

Yes, some is cultural. There are dietary factors that affect Black people, but, given motivation and education, a fair number of people, in my experience, are very motivated to change eating habits. The challenge is the same as for anyone, we all learn habits very early. Many of these same factors affect poor people and those who are isolated, such as in rural areas.

No matter what the causes, the stories in this book are real and every health professional has seen this. The author goes beyond the medical to learn about his patients and why they are having problems taking meds and staying on diets and participating in care. The more he learns, the more he understands, and you will, too, if you read/listen to this book.

very enjoyable

I am pleased that I have read it. the book is very enjoyable. very realistic and knowledgeable

Amazed but not surprised!

This book was informative and enlightening. I enjoyed the educational learning of racism from all angles. Not everyone can wear a white jacket and be construed as a physician.

Refreshing

Good to hear a physician reflect on his past and ongoing medical career and what he has learned.

Honesty of the author

Interesting perspective of life as an African American doctor told with bare knuckle truths through out.

A Northern Black man's unique perspective on life as a medical student and then a doctor in the small town South.

Good overview of the doctor-patient relationship in all its many permutations and scenarios, especially in situations where the race of the doctor or patient becomes a factor in these relationships. Good book for anyone wanting to understand what it is like to practice medicine in small-town communities with primarily poor and minority patients. Excellent book for medical students and premed students, but it may not be too interesting for someone primarily seeking pleasurable escapism through reading.

Insightful and Well-Written

I noticed the delightful details before I realized he was a Psychiatrist. It's definitely a text that takes the reader into account. A must-read for anyone in a service-profession.

Recommend from Oncologist

I loved Dr. Tweddy's life story and I think the narrator, Corey Allen was magnificent.

Awesome

Great read! This book was originally given to my son by an executive board member of Tulane University School of Medicine . My son is an 18y.o. black male graduating high school , contemplating studying medicine. I try to read everything outsiders give my sons to influence their minds . Glad I did , awesome on every level . I’m a 25 year practicing female pharmacist in the south and you just summed up my entire professional experience as well. Thank you !