Black clinicians and researchers remain under-represented

She enters the training room with a white coat on, all distinguishing identifiers accessible to the eye: ID badge with a ‘Doctor’ name tag, professional clothing and a stethoscope. ‘Are you one of the trainers?’ the patient asks—a familiar question. ‘I’m the doctor who will be performing your physical today’, she replies. ‘Oh,’ the athlete and her mother state, both confused and intrigued. ‘I’ve never had a Black doctor before’, the athlete continues. A sound point.

Black doctors frequently encounter a reaction of surprise that a person of colour (POC) is in a position of authority. Similar to most industries, POC in SEM are still trapped in historically physically laborious, junior/midlevel roles with limited opportunity for advancement into leadership roles.3 Systemic racism restricts access and capacity for contribution by POC.4

Black doctors make up 8% of all doctors in the USA,3 where the population of black people is 13.7%.5 In South Africa, while black Africans are the overwhelming majority demographic at 81%,6 they constitute only 31% of all registered medical practitioners (demographics provided in an email dated 23 October 2020 from the Registrar at the Health Professionals Council of South Africa, registrar@hpcsa.co.za). In both countries, there are currently no published diversity statistics specific to SEM, which is problematic. Anecdotally, however, POC are under-represented globally in clinical and academic SEM. Transformation in SEM research groups, scientific committees and ‘thought leadership’ teams has been slow, and the clear advancements in correcting gender imbalance in international structures have not yet been mirrored in relation to racial diversity.

Representation matters

In multiple industries diversity and inclusion have been associated with improved organisational growth and business performance.7 Companies that are more diverse are better able to attract and retain talent, and improve customer orientation through enhanced insights and decision-making.7 In the SEM setting, diverse teams offer a wider range of approaches and perspectives when drafting clinical protocols, research protocols and sports policy. Furthermore, diversity will enable better insights into the backgrounds, needs and motivations of all athletes thus improving patient care. Finally, representation will encourage those watching from the side lines, inspiring more POC to join the SEM profession.

We know our presence as a black physician in the training room matters. We have seen the visible guard that drops during a consultation when athletes of colour (AOC) find out we are the physicians who will care for them. AOC have told us that they feel more comfortable when a physician shows an understanding of their social context and respect for their culture. We have had many impromptu visits from AOC with no true chief complaint, where discussions about race and isolation in our respective fields ensue. AOC can feel lonely in non-inclusive systems that do not support or acknowledge variances in their race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status.

Prepare for progress

Calling out systemic discrimination and acknowledging systemic privilege are the first steps to tearing down the suffocating walls of institutional racism. Organisations that are invested in the growth and longevity of SEM should not sidestep this difficult conversation but instead strive to create environments that encourage honest conversation and progressive leadership. If the SEM community is committed to providing the best possible patient care and if we truly do love the SEM game, then we should lace up and prepare to rally, spar and slam dunk our way to a more inclusive and sustainable environment. As in any sport, sustainable success will require effective leadership, teachable players and commitment to a well-formulated game plan.