As a Black, female physician at Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center, Dr. Tasmia Henry, a maternal fetal medicine specialist specializing in high-risk pregnancies, has experienced some preconceived perceptions from some of her patients when they see her for the first time.
“There have been instances where people don’t assume I’m a doctor,” she explained. “I’ve been mistaken for a nurse, a member of the housekeeping staff, as well as a cafeteria employee.”
Dr. Henry says she views Black History Month that’s celebrated this month as a time of reflection. Approximately 5% of doctors in the U.S. identify as Black, and about 3% are Black female physicians, she noted.
She added that while not surprised by some of her patients’ reactions, Dr. Henry views Black History Month as a time of education. “We live in a world where you identify with what you see,” she explained.
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“I think people may have had these preconceived notions of what a doctor looks like and that’s not necessarily what they see when they look at me.”
Dr. Henry, who started practicing medicine in 2009 and has been with Kaiser Permanente Downey for the past 10 years, said it’s crucial for the Black community, especially youth, to not underestimate their potential.
“I think it’s important to understand that everyone has value and potential for success, and that you shouldn’t let your skin color or gender feel like it’s an obstacle, despite the fact that society may want you to feel that way,” she advised. “Don’t let that external noise dictate what you’re capable of. When you fall down, you get back up.”
Dr. Henry graduated cum laude with her bachelor’s degree in chemistry – Pre-Medicine, from Florida A & M University, and graduated magna cum laude at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, both Historically Black Colleges and Universities. She then completed her OB/GYN residency at Emory University in Atlanta. After that, she finished her maternal fellowship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
Dr. Henry said while she studied and worked hard to become a doctor, she recognized that she had a lot of support from her family and her community. She similarly hopes to inspire others to achieve their dreams.
“I continue to work very hard to dispel the notion that a person’s potential is limited by their gender or skin color,” she said.
Dr. Henry also cautioned against painting the entire Black community with the same brush.
“We all come from different backgrounds and have different life experiences,” she explained.
“You can’t put us all into one box, because that’s part of the problem. While the challenges that Black people face, especially during this time we’re in right now, are numerous, we must continue to work hard to overcome the challenges we’re facing. This country doesn’t have a good history regarding its treatment of Black people. The idea that it should be ignored or discounted is unfortunate and contributes to some of the challenges.
“I think Black History Month is yet another opportunity to acknowledge the contributions that Black people have made to this country,” Dr. Henry continued.
“I believe that representation matters, and I acknowledge my responsibility and hope to inspire the Black community, particularly the youth, to strive for their fullest potential.”
