My Experience With Systemic Racism at KRMC Urgent Care…read more
While visiting Kingman, Arizona, I went to KRMC Urgent Care because I was very sick. I was experiencing severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, symptoms of tonsillitis, and stomach pain. I clearly told the receptionist multiple times that I was there for tonsillitis and stomach issues.
However, my visit was entered incorrectly as "personal." Because of that, staff later assumed I was there for STD testing. When the nurse called me back, the first thing she said was that my visit was for an STD. I immediately corrected her and explained that I never said that. I specifically said "tonsillitis" more than once.
I felt stereotyped and judged instead of listened to. The nurse even stated that people who are nervous to say "STD" often say "personal," even though I never used the word "personal" at all.
I also waited an unusually long time while many other patients who arrived after me were taken before me. During my visit, I felt dismissed and talked over by the nurse practitioner. I was unable to fully explain my symptoms before being interrupted. When I explained that both my throat and stomach were hurting, I was told I had to "pick one issue," despite the fact that both symptoms were affecting my health.
I left feeling unheard, disrespected, and not properly treated. The medication prescribed did not help, and I later had to seek care from another doctor, causing me additional stress and financial burden.
As a Black gay man, this experience deeply affected me. I have lived in many places, including Florida, Toronto, and Germany, and I have never before felt this level of discomfort and dismissal while seeking medical care. I understand the difference between normal medical delays and being treated differently. This experience made me feel unwelcome and devalued.
When I later contacted a supervisor to report my concerns, I did not feel listened to or supported. Instead of hearing my experience and addressing my concerns seriously, I felt the staff and clinic were immediately defended without investigation.
I believe every patient deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and professionalism regardless of race, sexual orientation, or background. My purpose in sharing this experience is to speak honestly about how I was treated and to encourage better communication, accountability, and patient care for others in the future.
