In conversation with Dr. Oni Blackstock: Paving the Way for Health Equity
Dr. Oni Blackstock, MD, MHS, is a primary care and HIV physician and founder of Health Justice, a consulting firm helping health organizations center equity and anti-racism. Known for her research on the intersection of race, gender, and HIV, Dr. Blackstock is a thought leader in health equity, dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers to healthcare access. Her advocacy and policy work, rooted in both personal and professional experiences, has guided impactful changes in public health and inspired many in the field.
We got an exclusive early chat with Dr. Oni Blackstock, this year’s keynote speaker for McGill’s 16th Global Health Night on November 21st! We asked her five burning questions on how students in the health field can tackle health inequities in global health –– here’s what she had to say!
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1. What pivotal moments in your career led you to focus on these areas, and how can students entering healthcare start incorporating equity-driven approaches into their work early on?
My health equity journey began at an early age with my mother, whom I affectionately call the original Dr. Blackstock. She grew up in poverty in Brooklyn, raised by a single mother along with her five siblings. Despite facing numerous challenges, she persevered against the odds. A nun once told her that she could only aspire to be a teacher, but she proved everyone wrong by becoming a nephrologist. Throughout her career, she dedicated herself to addressing the high rates of kidney disease and hypertension within Black communities in New York City. As my twin sister and I accompanied her to community health fairs around the city, I witnessed firsthand the health inequities affecting various communities. These experiences ignited my commitment to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve good health and well-being.
For students entering healthcare, I encourage you to take a few key steps to incorporate equity-driven approaches. First, engage with communities by building genuine relationships with marginalized groups. This firsthand experience will help you understand the communities’ unique challenges and allow you to center their voices in health solutions. Look for grassroots organizations that you can partner with and support.
Additionally, it's important to learn about structural competency, in other words, understanding, recognizing, and responding to how structural factors, such as policies, economic systems, and structural racism, shape health outcomes. This knowledge is vital for addressing the root causes of health inequities. Finally, commit to lifelong learning and embrace the concept of "structural humility." This means recognizing that health inequities are often rooted in systemic factors. Be open to learning from those directly impacted by these factors, value their insights, and reflect on how your actions can either perpetuate or help alleviate inequities.
2. How do you navigate driving systemic change from within versus outside the system? What advice would you offer students hoping to do the same?
This question makes me think about the work of Adrienne Marie Brown. She frequently discusses “critical connections” in the context of systems change and community building. She emphasizes the importance of interconnectedness, urging each of us to recognize how individual and collective struggles are linked. Understanding these connections fosters solidarity and enhances collaboration across different movements. She also highlights the value of collective care, advocating for mutual aid and support. Caring for one another is essential for building resilient communities.
Adopting a systems-thinking approach, which means viewing social issues through a broader lens, is also helpful because it enables us to recognize that change in one area can impact many other areas, helping to identify leverage points for more effective interventions. The practice of visioning –– articulating one’s dreams and goals –– is another helpful strategy that she talks about. This visioning process unifies efforts and motivates collective action. It is also important to acknowledge that the issues we may grapple with are intricate and require flexible strategies. Simple solutions often won’t address deeper systemic problems and that’s OK.
3. What are the most pressing health equity issues on a global scale that you believe the next generation of healthcare professionals should focus on?
I would advise the next generation of healthcare professionals to prioritize access to quality healthcare, ensuring that vulnerable populations can access essential health care services. Mental health support is also critical, especially as we face a growing mental health crisis globally. Additionally, understanding the impacts of climate change on health outcomes is vital. Addressing the digital/tech divide is another pressing issue, as it is essential to close the gap in access to digital health resources and not risk worsening health inequities because of differential access to technology. We must also advocate for equitable resource distribution (including during pandemics) and focus on understanding the structural determinants of health as broad social, economic, and political factors that influence health outcomes.
4. What strategies can students adopt to ensure their work is inclusive, culturally sensitive, and respectful of the communities they aim to serve?
To ensure their approach is inclusive and equitable, students should prioritize listening to and learning from the communities they serve. Engaging in meaningful conversations helps students understand both the strengths and challenges of the community. It's essential to involve community members in decision-making processes so that their voices are centered and prioritized. Flexibility and ensuring alignment with communities’ values and preferences are also crucial. By adapting programs and initiatives to the specific needs of the community, their effectiveness and responsiveness can be enhanced.
5. What advice would you give to healthcare students who aspire to work in advocacy, particularly in global health?
When it comes to advocacy, it's essential to recognize that simply working in certain contexts doesn’t equate to effective advocacy. True advocacy involves partnering with communities and being accountable to them. This means including community members in decision-making processes, ensuring transparency, and actively listening to their needs.
You should also take responsibility for addressing the systemic inequities that impact these communities, demonstrating a commitment to action based on their feedback. Building relationships with policymakers and engaging with advocacy organizations can amplify your impact. Stay informed about health policies and maintain a long-term commitment to equity, as meaningful change often requires sustained effort and dedication.
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Dr. Oni Blackstock’s insights serve as a powerful reminder of the vital role that health equity plays in shaping a just and inclusive healthcare system. As we look forward to her keynote address at McGill’s Global Health Night, let us carry her message with us: real change starts with understanding, collaboration, and a dedication to uplifting every voice. Don’t miss your chance to catch her live — register now for an event packed with inspiration and impact!
Author: Claire Gapare
Editor: Alex Stoljar Gold