Under the Skin

I love this book for two reasons. 1. The content: It is so well researched and clearly shows how unequal access to medical care is only part of the reason health levels and outcomes are unequal. We need to consider many other layers, like how medical studies are done, where people live, and what they are exposed to in their physical and social environments. 2. The writing: Villarosa is a genius! She writes so well and compellingly about complex things; I totally get her arguments, even when they deal with academic topics.

This book should be required reading and not just for healthcare professionals.

For us, it was a necessary awakening. Until we had to become advocates for our health, we didn’t realize how fragmented the American healthcare system truly is, especially if you are Black or a minority. Even though we know racism permeates every nook and cranny of the world, it didn’t click with us how far it went until this book.

Linda Villarosa is a brilliant journalist who digs into so much that it makes our heads spin. It made our hearts ache and inspired us to want to… show more.