Elephants and Tea - One Herd - 21

Our Voices
The unfair differences in treatment are
even more pronounced for those who, like
me, navigate the healthcare system bearing
the compounded identities of Native
and Asian heritages. To properly address
the unique needs of diverse populations,
the first step is a paradigm shift in patient
care. Equity in healthcare means
recognizing humanity and the multiple
affiliations of every patient. The only path
to equitable healthcare is through full
commitment to comprehensive, culturally
sensitive, and tailored care that honors
the diverse tapestry of identities patients
bring to examination rooms. Simply put,
stop the misogyny and bigotry.
I went through all my cancer treatments
and nearly all my operations with an
HMO insurance plan. It was pure Hell.
The dreadful combination of outsourced
blood work labs that will not access a port
and mediocre phlebotomists, lead to itty
bitty collapsed veins all throughout my
only usable arm. Thanks to this fun anecdotal
piece of my journey, getting IVs
and blood draws has become difficult
and painful.
Currently, I still undergo blood work
and oncological checkups every three
months. Last year, our family got a PPO
insurance plan, but I still cannot participate
in any holistic measures to alleviate
my pain, because we simply cannot afford
it. Our insurance won't cover acupuncture
or massage, which are the only two
accessible mediums for me to relieve some
of my chronic pain. I can't do anything
involving hormones and I refuse to take
opioids anymore. The extent of my pain
relief regimen involves heating pads, many
joints, and occasionally, an NSAID.
My narrative is not exclusive to me; it
is shared by countless others grappling
with systemic inequities in healthcare.
It is exhausting to have to try to navigate
a system that is plagued by cultural insensitivities
and implicit bias. I am done
defaulting to my anxiety as an explanatory
catch-all for my health concerns. It
is a reductionist view that diminishes my
health issues to a psychological stereotype,
always overlooking the nuanced and
intersecting factors affecting my overall
well-being. I don't enjoy feeling dismissed,
not heard, or gaslit.
After cancer completely changed everything,
I have dedicated myself to
navigating the labyrinth of healthcare.
Unfortunately, I found myself in the
shadow of a prevailing disparity. I confront
an array of health issues, but anxiety
disorder has undesirably become the
lens through which my doctors view me.
But, moreover, I think chalking another
thing up to " anxiety " is just an easy-out,
a scapegoat. A simple way to disengage,
because it's common knowledge that the
diagnosing physician, the one who adds
the HCC code to your chart, is now partially
responsible.
I've been residing at the intersection of
a triad of cultures, each with its unique
heritage and history. I enjoy delving into
my Native heritage, because my bloodline
runs deep. I try to learn about my
Korean side, but it's a bit more involved,
as my mom was adopted from Seoul in
the mid-sixties. I attempt to navigate the
labyrinth of healthcare where my rich
identity lies. I want, need, and deserve
to know all health-related information.
I have done my part: I gave vials of my
blood to do extensive genetic research. I
hope to secure a more promising path to
healthcare, but also advocate for a broader
societal awakening to the pervasive disparities
faced by minority women.
The call to action is clear: dismantle
the barriers that perpetuate health disparities
and uphold a standard of care
that recognizes the full humanity of every
patient, beyond the crutch of convenient
diagnoses. As society moves forward, it
must embrace a model of care that is as
diverse and multifaceted as the communities
it serves. In conclusion, I am calling
for a collective awakening within society
to the realities of health disparities faced
by minority women. It is imperative that
we educate the ignorant and dismantle
the ingrained prejudices and stereotypes
that hinder access to quality healthcare for
all populations. By amplifying the voices
of minority women and advocating for
inclusive and patient-centered care, we
can move toward a future where every
individual is seen, heard, and valued in
the realm of healthcare. l
" The call to action is clear: dismantle the barriers that
perpetuate health disparities and uphold a standard of
care that recognizes the full humanity of every patient,
beyond the crutch of convenient diagnoses. As society
moves forward, it must embrace a model of care that is as
diverse and multifaceted as the communities it serves. "
ELEPHANTSANDTEA.ORG
ONE HERD ISSUE 2025
21
http://www.ELEPHANTSANDTEA.ORG
Elephants and Tea - One Herd

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Elephants and Tea - One Herd
