‘It happens all the time’: Patients shouldn’t be allowed to choose doctor based on race, medical group says

A good piece on some of the challenges in providing healthcare in a diverse society, provoked by the position paper of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. While some accommodation is reasonable, when feasible, particularly for elderly patients where language may be an issue, and in some cases gender, being overly accommodating goes against integration, as it removes another touch point among communities. If excessive accommodation is provided, it creates expectations for ongoing and further accommodation.

Again, my experience is that more and more of the people I interact with are from diverse backgrounds. I don’t consider my consent to their providing treatment as me accommodating them, just part of my normal interaction with professionals.

The society’s CEO, Jennifer Blake, said the organization does respect that many people feel more comfortable with a doctor of the same culture, language or gender – “when that can be achieved.”

“The problem really arises in emergency or night coverage when it is simply not possible to accommodate every preference,” said Dr. Blake by email. “We have taken the position that our fundamental responsibility is to ensure that there is a competent, well-trained professional available 24×7.”

‘It happens all the time’: Patients shouldn’t be allowed to choose doctor based on race, medical group says