Question for minority ODs

[ODhopeful]

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I'm asian and I'm curious if some patients would not come to me because of that or if that makes it harder to find jobs in rural places? I'm curious because these are things I can't change. Do most of you minority ODs feel like you gotta work harder to impress your patients and show them that you are capable. I don't wanna see mostly asian patients because they're tight-wads and are often big complainers. "Is there a discount?" haha, I might have to kill my patient after I hear that for the 20th time a day

 

[drbizzaro]

I'm asian and I'm curious if some patients would not come to me because of that or if that makes it harder to find jobs in rural places? I'm curious because these are things I can't change. Do most of you minority ODs feel like you gotta work harder to impress your patients and show them that you are capable. I don't wanna see mostly asian patients because they're tight-wads and are often big complainers. "Is there a discount?" haha, I might have to kill my patient after I hear that for the 20th time a day

i'm not a minority, but many of my close friends belong to the minority races... in particular, you'll find that certain southern states have a view that opposes asians and blacks (which is what i heard from my friends during their 4th year rotations).... from personal experience (when visiting some friends in TN and KY) i noticed that there was more of a racist tone against anyone that wasn't white

 

[blazenmadison]

I'm asian and I'm curious if some patients would not come to me because of that or if that makes it harder to find jobs in rural places? I'm curious because these are things I can't change. Do most of you minority ODs feel like you gotta work harder to impress your patients and show them that you are capable. I don't wanna see mostly asian patients because they're tight-wads and are often big complainers. "Is there a discount?" haha, I might have to kill my patient after I hear that for the 20th time a day

Building a practice in a small, rual town might be a little hard with racial undertones. Heck, there is discrimination everywhere. When I worked as a tech in a small town, patients would ask to see the 'male' asian OD vs. the 'female' caucasian OD. Then there are patients that just wanted to see the female OD because she was "hot." Unfortunately, it's all superficial preferences that people base their medical care on sometimes. 😱

I notice that most Asian/Hispanic patients pay with cash and are less likely to complain or switch' doctor.

What about a diverse group practice?

 

[longlashes]

..

 

[362.04]

I think generalizations are a bit hazardous for now. I'm a non-white and was recruited to take over a practice in one of the "deep south states" with all the city fathers knowing I wasn't white.

In general, I would never want to practice in an area where I'm not wanted or needed. You cannot legislate personal intolerant behavior know matter how well intended or well meaning it may be.

I've practiced in GA and TX and can say that even the most avidly extremist racist patient needs emergency eye care from someone, anyone. When it hurts, I got the impression that a trained minority was preferable to an untrained white. However, again, that is why there are so many minorities who practice in urban areas or areas known to be tolerant.

If you are thinking about practicing in an area where you might be the only minority, I would think carefully whether you would like to raise your family bereft of any ethnic or cultural infrastructure.