It’s Time to Step Up Our Response to Rising IBD Rates in Black Communities

During my medical residency, I treated a young girl with Crohn’s disease—she was thrilled to meet me, a Black physician who looked like her, represented her community, and understood her background. This connection empowered her to openly discuss her symptoms with me. Reflecting on that experience, I believe our cultural connection undoubtedly contributed to her positive health outcome; this patient depended on me, and I was determined to honor her trust. Unfortunately, many Black patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, do not experience this sense of empowerment. Only 5.7 percent of active physicians in the United States identify as Black or African American, highlighting the need for more diverse representation in health care.1 Furthermore, the significant rise in IBD diagnoses among minority populations over recent decades is worth noting2: A population-based study comparing cohorts from 1970 and 2010 showed a 134 percent increase in IBD incidence for racial minorities compared to 39 percent for white populations.3,4 Access to specialists, appropriate therapies, and follow-up visits are crucial to positive outcomes. However, a recent study found that Black individuals are significantly less likely to regularly see a gastroenterologist or IBD specialist. Limited access to specialists can lead...