Mccarthyism Vs Healthcare

As a first generation Polish American, I grew up believing that medicine is untrustworthy. I was taught by the Polish community to avoid doctors and only went to a clinic when necessary. I have since abandoned this conviction and wholeheartedly accept the immense benefits of preventive care. However, a thought remains that haunts me, “Why is the Polish community so opposed to healthcare?”

This question can be answered by looking to the past. During the communist era, the Polish medical system was in shambles. With little funding, doctors were selective of patients. Wealthy patients bribed physicians for preferential treatment, while less fortunate patients were ignored. This long standing system of bribery in Poland led many to distrust medicine.
Upon discovering that the distrust of medicine stems from systemic abuse, I wondered how pervasive it is. I found that many underserved populations hold this same belief, and was saddened to hear that a close friend’s father died of a treatable form of cancer because he avoided seeing a doctor. To provide healthcare to estranged communities, both access to and a trust in medical providers are necessary.

Although my experience as a Polish American does not directly correlate with my decision to pursue a career as a surgeon and scientist, it was central to my development as a person. With my background, I will be an ally for minority and underserved patients, specifically patients that distrust medicine. Knowing the cruelty that some are capable of, (e.g. the Tuskegee incident, where doctors went against the Hippocratic Oath and allowed minority patients infected with syphilis to die), I plan to advocate for my patients. My Polish background is an important factor in my ethics, and my experiences will guide me in the future as a medical professional.