A black doctor who died fighting COVID-19 complained of racist medical care in social media outlets a few days before his death, prompting an Indiana hospital system to promise a “complete external review” of her 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. Aware of her condition and medical procedures, the doctor said she had to repeatedly request medication, scans and routine check-ups while she was hospitalized in Carmel, Indiana. She especially noticed a white doctor who apparently dismissed her pain and said she did not trust the hospital.
“I proposed and maintain, if I were white, I wouldn’t have to go through this,” she says in a December 4 video, her voice often cracking. “That’s how dead people are, when you send them home and they don’t know how to fight for themselves.”
She was released from the hospital run by Indiana University Health System on December 7, but was hospitalized again 12 hours later, when her temperature rose and her blood pressure dropped, according to her post. She was taken to another hospital, Ascencion St. Vincent of Carmel, and said he is facing better care.
However, her condition worsened and she was put on a fan. She died on December 20, said her 19-year-old son Henry Muhammad. A number listed for Muhammad could not be found on Friday. The messages left by The Associated Press for two family spokesmen were not returned immediately on Friday.
Coronavirus has disproportionately affected people of color, 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, inequity in access to health care, and economic opportunities.
Many black Americans also report that medical professionals take their ailments less seriously when seeking treatment.
Moore grew up in Michigan, where he earned a medical degree from the University of Michigan in 2002. He had an active medical degree in Indiana at the time of his death, according to MLive.com.
Muhammad told The New York Times that his mother often underwent inferior medical care. She had an inflammatory disease called sarcoidosis that attacks the lungs and was often treated for her condition.
“Almost every time she went to the hospital she had to plead for herself, to fight for something in one way or another, just to get the initial and proper care,” he told the newspaper.
Dennis Murphy, president and CEO of Indiana University Health, said Thursday that 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 analysis of medical quality, but “may not have shown the level of compassion and respect for which we strive to understand what matters most.” more for patients ”.
“I call for an external review of this case. We will have a diverse group of health and diversity experts to conduct a thorough medical analysis of Dr. Moore’s concerns to address any potential biases in treatment, “he said in a statement.
In the past year, public health experts at the national level 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 called it a first step, many are skeptical.
Muhammad, who said that his mother is his best friend and a very caring person, did not have the opportunity to say goodbye to him before he died.
“I’m outraged beyond words … because if what my mother thinks is true and it’s racism, and they neglected it because of it, no one should go through that,” he told ABC. News.