In this episode of Embracing Your Voice, Atima Omara sits down with Anushay Hossain to discuss the structural barriers women of color face in healthcare, the pervasive issue of racism in healthcare systems, and actionable strategies for advocacy. Together, they unpack the connections between systemic racism, sexism, and America's women's health crisis.

[00:00:00] Introduction

Atima Omara introduces the episode, focusing on systemic racism in healthcare and its disproportionate impact on women of color.

[00:02:00] Meet Anushay Hossain

Anushay shares her background as a Bangladeshi-American advocate and writer and her passion for amplifying women's health issues.

[00:05:00] The Root of the Problem: Racism in Healthcare

Anushay's personal experiences highlight how systemic racism manifests in healthcare through medical neglect and gaslighting.

[00:10:00] The Women's Health Crisis in America

An exploration of the maternal mortality rates among Black women and how the healthcare system consistently fails marginalized communities.

[00:15:00] Breaking the Cycle of Medical Gaslighting

Anushay defines medical gaslighting and explains how it exacerbates health disparities for women of color.

[00:20:00] Advocacy as a Tool for Change

Anushay and Atima discuss how knowledge and self-advocacy can empower patients in biased medical systems.

[00:25:00] From Personal to Policy

Anushay recounts her journey from confronting personal healthcare challenges to influencing systemic change through her writing and advocacy.

[00:30:00] Representation Matters

There is a need for more women of color in leadership roles within healthcare to address structural inequities.

[00:35:00] Tools for Change

Practical steps listeners can take to advocate for equitable healthcare policies and challenge medical biases.

[00:40:00] Final Thoughts and Call to Action

This is a powerful conclusion, urging listeners to actively fight systemic racism in healthcare and create lasting change.

• Systemic Racism in Healthcare: Women of color face significant healthcare disparities due to systemic racism and medical bias.
• Women's Health Crisis in America: Alarming statistics reveal the ongoing crisis, particularly for Black women.
• The Role of Advocacy: Advocacy, whether personal or systemic, is essential to driving equity in healthcare.

To order your copy of the Pain Gap, and follow Anushay's writings and appearances:

https://anushayhossain.com/