A black doctor who died fighting COVID-19 complained of racist medical care in widely shared posts on social media days before his death, prompting an Indiana hospital system to promise a “review complete external “treatment.
Dr. Susan Moore, 52, tested positive for COVID-19 late last month and was admitted to IU Health North Hospital in Carmel, Indiana, according to a Facebook post. Well aware of his condition and his medical procedures, the doctor said he had to order medications, scans and routine checkups repeatedly while he was admitted to a hospital in Carmel, Indiana. He pointed to a particular white doctor who apparently dismissed his pain and said he did not trust the hospital.
“I present and keep, if I were white, I shouldn’t go through that,” she says in a Dec. 4 video, in a voice that often cracks. at home and they don’t know how to fight for themselves. ”
She was released from the Indiana University Health System-run hospital on Dec. 7, but was re-hospitalized 12 hours later when the temperature rose and her blood pressure dropped, according to her publication. She was taken to a different hospital, Ascension St. Vincent at Carmel, and said he was getting better attention.
However, his condition worsened and a fan was fitted. He died on December 20, his 19-year-old son Henry Muhammad reported. Muhammad’s number could not be located on Friday. Messages left by The Associated Press to two family spokesmen did not return immediately on Friday.
The coronavirus has disproportionately affected blacks, who suffer from higher rates of obesity, diabetes and asthma, making them more susceptible to the virus. Black Americans are also more vulnerable because of systemic racism, inequality in access to health care, and economic opportunities.
Many black Americans also report that medical professionals take their illnesses less seriously when seeking treatment.
Moore grew up in Michigan, where he graduated with a degree in medicine from the University of Michigan in 2002. He had an active medical license in Indiana at the time of his death, according to MLive.com.
Muhammad told the New York Times that his mother had often experienced inferior medical care. He had an inflammatory disease called sarcoidosis that attacks the lungs and was often his condition.
“Almost every time she went to the hospital she had to defend herself, fight for something in some way, shape or form, just to get basic and proper care,” she told the newspaper.
Dennis Murphy, president and CEO of Indiana University Health, said Thursday he was saddened by Moore’s death. He said he did not believe the medical team “failed in the technical aspects” of Moore’s care after a preliminary review of medical quality, but “may not have shown the level of compassion and respect we strive for.” understanding what matters most to patients “.
“I ask for an external review of this case. We will have a diverse group of health and diversity experts who will conduct a thorough medical review of Dr. Moore’s concerns to address any possible treatment bias, ”he said in a statement.
Over the past year, public health experts nationwide have recognized the role that racism plays in health care with dozens of cities, counties and states declaring racism a threat to public health. While public health experts have considered it a first step, many are skeptical.
Muhammad, who said his mother was his best friend and a very affectionate person, did not have a chance to say goodbye before he died.
“I’m outraged beyond words … because if what my mother thinks was true and that was racism, and they neglected it for that, no one would have to go through it,” she told ABC News.