Trying to overcome racism in the NHS
BMJ 2000; 320 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.320.7235.657 (Published 04 March 2000) Cite this as: BMJ 2000;320:657Iarrived in Britain in the late 1970s, a Ugandan Asian with a British passport and no idea of what was in store for me. I spoke the language fluently, could play Bob Dylan rather well on my trusty guitar, and had my Conjoint Board qualification under my belt. I couldn't have been better equipped. But it hasn't all been plain sailing.
It is impossible to recall all the racist incidents that have occurred during my training. The ones I mention have struck a chord simply because of their blatancy.
Generally, no one taught me, but criticism was rife when I failed. This is the one characteristic of racism that I have found most distressing. My white friends received gentle instruction, but I was largely excluded unless I asked. Yet, at every stage in my career I have had to outperform white doctors in order to get a job.
No one taught me, but criticism was rife when I failed
In my senior house officer post in East Anglia there was no in- house teaching of any sort. When I told …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £164 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£30 / $37 / €33 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.