Black Doctor Directory Sued Over Race Exclusion

In the ongoing conversation about diversity and inclusion in healthcare, a unique online directory has found itself in the legal spotlight. Find A Black Doctor, an initiative designed to connect patients with Black physicians and dentists, is facing a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination. The core of the dispute? The directory’s refusal to accept a white doctor onto its platform.

The Mission Behind Find A Black Doctor

Founded by Dr. Dina D. Strachan, a dermatologist with credentials from Harvard and Yale, Find A Black Doctor aims to address a critical gap in healthcare. The directory’s mission is to improve health outcomes for the Black community by providing access to culturally competent care and educational resources. Statistics highlight the need: African Americans represent about 13% of the U.S. population but only 5% of practicing physicians. This underrepresentation can create significant challenges for patients seeking doctors who understand their specific needs and backgrounds.

The directory, originally launched in 2005 and relaunched in 2019, operates on the principle that racial concordance—patients being treated by doctors of the same race—can lead to better health outcomes, particularly for Black men. This approach acknowledges the unique trust and understanding that can develop in such relationships.

The Lawsuit and Allegations

The lawsuit has been filed by Do No Harm, a nationwide organization advocating for the removal of identity politics from medical practice. The nonprofit alleges that Find A Black Doctor is in violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which prohibits racial discrimination in contracting. The central claim is that the directory discriminates against physicians based on their race.

The plaintiff in the case is Dr. Travis Morrell, a white dermatologist and dermatopathologist who is a member of Do No Harm. Morrell applied to be listed in the directory but was reportedly denied admission, not due to a lack of qualifications, but solely because of his race. Do No Harm argues that excluding qualified doctors based on skin color is unlawful and harms both physicians and patients.

Arguments on Racial Concordance and Trust

Dr. Kurt Miceli, chief medical officer at Do No Harm, stated that the idea of racial concordance leading to better outcomes is a “pernicious and debunked myth.” He asserts that such beliefs sow distrust in the doctor-patient relationship and that the organization is committed to rooting out identity-based programs in medicine. The plaintiffs are seeking a court declaration that the directory’s practices violate the Civil Rights Act.

They are also requesting a permanent injunction to prevent Find A Black Doctor from excluding doctors based on race or considering race in their application process. Furthermore, they seek an injunction to compel the directory to accept Dr. Morrell’s application and are pursuing compensatory and punitive damages for him.