The African American Book Club at the Palmdale City Library on Sept. 20 will discuss “Black Man in a White Coat: A Doctor’s Reflections on Race and Medicine.” The discussion will begin at 6:45 p.m. at 700 E. Palmdale Blvd.
“Black Man in a White Coat” examines the complex ways in which both Black physicians and patients must navigate the sometimes difficult and often contradictory terrain of race and medicine.
As author Damon Tweedy transforms from student to practicing physician, he discovers how often skin color can influence his encounters with patients. Through their stories, he illustrates the complex social, cultural and economic factors at the root of many health problems in the Black community.
The issues tend to take on greater meaning when Tweedy is himself diagnosed with a chronic disease more common among Black persons. In this powerful, moving and deeply empathetic book, Tweedy explores the challenges confronting Black doctors, and the disproportionate health burdens faced by Black patients, ultimately seeking a way forward to better treatment and more compassionate care.
New members to the book club are welcome; the group meets on the third Thursday of each month.
The Palmdale City Library is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more details, call (661) 267-5600 or visit www.cityofpalmdale.org/library.
