July 12, 2022

Black Residents Face Higher Attrition Rates than White Counterparts

According to a new investigation by STAT News, Black medical trainees leave or are dismissed from residency or training programs at higher rates than their white peers. The result of this is that Black physicians are far less likely to enter elite, and more lucrative, branches of medicine, which perpetuates disparities.

In interviews with former residents and physicians, a common pattern appeared, which included unclear justification for termination, Black residents being denied the chance to rectify mistakes, and their white counterparts not being penalized for similar infractions. Interviewees also noted that appeals processes were risible and administrators and staff meant to assist them were of little help.

STAT News found a similar pattern of dismissal or leave rates at all levels of medicine, not just in specialties, with rates for Black family and primary care residents much higher than their white counterparts. But the worst rates were still found in elite specialties, such as neurosurgery and orthopedics. 

This is a sadly common issue and one that we have encountered before at Berke-Weiss, and we were glad to read that the subject is getting attention. With more awareness of this issue, doctors and professors are exploring ways to tell this story but also to address the underlying inequalities.

New York Extends The Meaning of Family to Include Siblings for NY Paid Family Leave (NYPFL)

November 5, 2021
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On Monday, November 1, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law providing Paid Family Leave to individuals caring for siblings. New York already has one of the nation’s most extensive family leave programs, providing employees leave to bond with a new child, to provide care for a relative, or to provide care when a spouse, child, parent, or domestic partner are called into active military duty. The inclusion of siblings under relative coverage goes even further to protecting family’s time off when the need arises.

Gender Bias Adds Up

November 1, 2021
Gender Discrimination
Everyday forms of gender discrimination that doesn’t add up to a lawsuit can be just as damaging to women’s careers.

Paid Family Leave in the Balance

October 28, 2021
Paid Family Leave
Conservative Democratic Senators continue to whittle away the President’s signature social spending plan, and paid family leave is heading for the chopping block, an incredible blow to families already struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.

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