Racial Slur Incident at UTHealth Highlights Medical Racism Issues

Something unsettling happened at UTHealth Houston recently. A professor used a racial slur during a medical class, causing a wave of controversy and shining a harsh light on the persistence of racism in medicine.

The professor made a questionable reference to the mold Aspergillus niger. That move drew criticism, with many saying it reinforced harmful stereotypes and chipped away at the professionalism that’s supposed to anchor medical education.

This isn’t just about one person’s mistake—it’s a reminder of the deep-rooted biases still shaping the medical profession. Black patients and professionals often feel the brunt of these issues.

The Incident at UTHealth Houston

During a first-year medical class, the professor talked about Aspergillus niger and then made an off-color comparison to a racial slur. The actual pronunciation is pretty straightforward: “Nai-jer” in American English, “Nai-juh” in British English.

Instead of sticking to the facts, the professor used the term as a springboard to bring a racial slur into the discussion, saying it “sounds like ‘Negro’ or [racial slur].” Someone caught this on audio, and the university started investigating soon after.

University Response

UTHealth Houston released a statement saying they take these incidents seriously and won’t put up with offensive behavior. They haven’t shared details about any action taken against the professor, but they did confirm the investigation is ongoing.

Impact on Medical Education

Dropping a racial slur in a medical classroom isn’t just a slip-up. It shakes the foundation of trust, empathy, and respect that medical education is supposed to build.

When educators don’t lead by example, it chips away at the profession’s integrity and lets old prejudices fester.

Historical Context of Medical Racism

Medical prejudice isn’t new. It’s mirrored society’s inequalities for ages, like the false idea that Black people have a higher pain tolerance.

Stuff like this isn’t just talk—it leads to real, measurable harm. Black women in Harris County, for example, face some of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country, no matter their education or income.

The N-Word’s Impact

The n-word has always been a tool to degrade Black people. Even now, it carries echoes of its brutal history in slavery.

Some Black folks might use it among themselves, reclaiming it in a way, but for most, it’s still deeply painful. Clint Smith, writing for The Atlantic in “What a Racist Slur Does to the Body,” describes hearing the n-word as feeling like being “struck by a match.”

Bringing that word into a classroom doesn’t just cross a line—it reinforces the very prejudices the medical field should be working to dismantle.

Addressing Racism in Medicine

If future doctors are going to treat patients with respect and empathy, they need to learn those values in school first. Teachers shape how students think and act.

When educators don’t model respect, it doesn’t just hurt a few students. It seeps into the wider culture of medicine, making things harder for everyone.

Steps Toward Change

Fixing racism in medicine isn’t simple, but there are some clear steps:

• Education and Training: Medical schools need to teach cultural competency and tackle implicit bias head-on.
• Accountability: Schools should hold both educators and students responsible when racist language or behavior crops up.
• Support Systems: Minority students and faculty need real support to help make campuses more welcoming.
• Policy Changes: Solid policies that push for diversity and inclusion are key for lasting change.

Conclusion

The incident at UTHealth Houston really highlights how much work is still ahead when it comes to tackling racism in medicine.

Medical educators have a big role to play—they can create spaces where respect and empathy matter just as much as technical skill.

If you’re curious about the full story, check out the article in the Houston Chronicle.