Date of Award

12-25-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. John Caputo

Second Advisor

Dr. Lunell Haught

Abstract

The Culture of White Privilege in Medicine was necessary to conduct as this is an issue that has been largely ignored by the medical community to date. The objective of this study was to determine what is occurring to continue the culture of white privilege in the healthcare industry today and what measures can be taken to minimize this impact. The methodology of the study includes participant observation and Behavior Oriented Research that focuses on the actions, attitudes and mannerisms of the group members along with Message- or Artifact-Oriented Research to interpret symbols and representations of each individual’s view points and ethics. Additionally, Archival/Documentary Research was one key to understanding the past and what occurred to build this culture of white privilege. Ernest Bormann’s Symbolic Convergence Theory and Fantasy-Theme Analysis were utilized to understand the two separate groups. These rhetorical theories were an aid to understanding what brings each group together by doing a comparative analysis and why white privilege exists The findings concluded that the path to medicine starts with the family and exposure to role models. Programs that increase exposure to African-American physician role models, as well as financial support options for the underprivileged, would greatly increase interest level of these youths.

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