Black Men in White Coats - On Demand Film Screening

Watch and then discuss Black Men in White Coats, a new documentary from Dr. Dale Okorodudu. This film is available ON-DEMAND between February 26 and 6 p.m. on March 2.

Register with an email address to receive an emailed code to watch the film.

You can watch the film on any device with an internet connection at any time between February 26 and 6 p.m. on March 2. St. Mary’s County Library hosts a follow-up panel discussion featuring special guests Emmanuel Atiemo, MD and Chile Ahaghotu, MD and moderator Kelsey Bush on Thursday, March 4 at 7 p.m. Register here for the follow-up discussion.

Fewer black men applied to medical school in 2014 than in 1978 and black men have the lowest life expectancy in the United States. With only 2% of American doctors being black men, this comes as no surprise.  This documentary dissects the systemic barriers preventing black men from becoming medical doctors and the consequences on society at large. 

Health care accounts for nearly 20% of the United State’s GDP and a significant portion of that is driven by disparities in a system that lacks diverse physicians. What if we had a medical workforce that actually reflected our patient population? What challenges do our black boys face? Who are their role models? Why is it easier to visualize a black man in an orange jumpsuit than it is in a white coat? What’s happening in society that more black women are becoming doctors while black men are stagnant? 

This film screening was funded by the Friends of the St. Mary's County Library.

Partner Organizations: Howard County Library System, Charles County Public Library, Calvert County Public Library, St. Mary’s County Public Schools, Historic Sotterly, St. Mary's County NAACP,  and Partners in Dismantling Racism & Privilege.