When doctors dismiss concerns of women and people of color, what can we do about it?

Women and people of color are more likely to have their symptoms dismissed by health care providers, according to multiple studies. They show doctors are slower to diagnose women with cancer and heart disease compared to men.

African American patients are less likely to receive treatment for cardiovascular disease, and to receive worse treatment for a variety of conditions including cancer and HIV, studies show.

Some have come up with a new phrase to describe the way doctors dismiss patients’ concerns: medical gaslighting. On Wednesday, guest host Chris Farrell spoke with medical experts about medical gaslighting, why it happens and how to respond.

Guests: 

• Chloe Bird is a senior sociologist at RAND. She studies women's health and gender differences in health care. She has a PhD in sociology.

• Dr. Lisa Saul is a perinatologist with Allina Health, and president of the Mother Baby clinical service line in partnership with Allina Health and Children’s Minnesota.