Black experiences in health education: RT alumna Shahidah Hasan
We asked Black students, alumni, faculty and staff in the Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences to share – in their own words – challenges they've faced in professional health education or clinical practice.
Shahidah Hasan '17
Program: Radiologic Technology
Hometown: Romulus, MI
Current position: Mammography technologist at Beaumont Health
I decided to go to Wayne State University because as far back as I can remember, WSU has always had a reputation for being a great school. I initially thought I wanted to major in psychology; but my aunt, who is a nurse, introduced me to the field of radiology. She emphasized that it would be a rewarding field to get into with many opportunities to advance and grow.
I got into radiology thinking it was all about x-raying fractured elbows and wrists; boy was I wrong! I soon realized how broad and vital radiology is within the medical field. Radiology is crucial in the diagnosis of different disease processes and abnormalities. While doing my clinicals, I quickly realized that I wanted to specialize in mammography.
Nevertheless, this journey did not come without its fair share of challenges. Being a student is rough; being a Black student is 3x harder. In some of my rotations, I quickly realized that I was unwelcome. During the Trump era where racial tension was at an all-time high, workers brought their biases/prejudices to work and sometimes made their racial/political stances quite clear – right in front of my face! If their prejudices weren't verbally expressed, it was shown in their mannerisms and reluctance to acknowledge my presence and/or work with me during clinicals. As an African American student, you're constantly under a microscope and beaten down for the smallest mistakes, the same mistakes that your non-Black peers make, but with less severe consequences. Some of these circumstances carry over into the professional setting once you begin working in the field.
I find myself having to be overly confident and constantly explaining my level of education to particular patients in order to "prove" that I deserve and am qualified for the job. This can be disheartening at times.
Nonetheless, I love what I do. Mammography is a very rewarding job and I enjoy it.
My advice to current and incoming students of color is to expect some challenges and face them head-on. Stand up for yourself and talk with your program directors about any concerns; they have your back. Don't let anyone discourage you; it will be tough but push through regardless. We need more of you in these fields! Continue to persevere.
Looking forward to seeing you in the field!
An anchor in urban health care
The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.
Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 25,000 students.
