Historically, the healthcare system has been a luxury that often skipped Black Americans. From forced hysterectomies to mutilated bodies, we have been the subjects of many inhumane studies, procedures, and experiments that have led to a long-lasting distrust of the medical system. For a majority of us, we like to rely on holistic medicines and look to nature for healing ailments whenever we can. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Daniel Hale Williams, the Black American doctor who made history as the first surgeon to ever successfully perform open-heart surgery.

I recently had my annual checkup appointment and it went so much better than my appointment last year! I usually get anxious while waiting at doctor’s offices, but this time I miraculously didn’t get the jitters. The new office was smaller than the big hospital I used to visit and seemingly had fewer patients waiting, but of course that might be because I chose the earliest morning appointment they had available. Another huge plus, and a major reason why I switched providers, was having a doctor that looked like me. She was thorough and made sure to explain everything in an easily digestible way. My previous doctor provided great care too, but there’s an added level of comfort in seeing a professional from your own race, gender, and culture.