Perspectives on Race and Medicine in the NICU

Current data regarding racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes of newborns requiring care in an NICU reveal significant differences in quality and access to care that disproportionally affects infants of color, particularly African American infants. These inequalities result in an increased infant mortality rate for Black children and higher preterm birth rates, as well as an increase in deaths due to low birth weight and decreased gestational age. Concurrently, there is emerging research exploring the role of diversity and adequate representation among medical providers in patient outcomes in Black communities. In this editorial, we present commentaries from a medical student, a neonatologist, and a parent of former NICU patients to further explore race in the NICU from different perspectives and understand what can be learned from their experiences about these systemic issues and why representation is a critical component of successful change.