13-03-2025
A Black Patient Almost Got Their Foot Amputated Because Of Their Non-Black Doctor's SUPER Wrong Diagnosis
Going to the doctor can be a terrifying experience when you genuinely have no idea why a part of your body is aching, itchy, numb, or you just know something is off, but you can't explain it.
But one doctor told a story on TikTok that perfectly explains why Black people — who are 20-30% more likely to get misdiagnosed by a medical professional than white men — have yet another layer of concern when they enter a doctor's office.
Dr. Nichole Mgboji, known as @naturallynonny on TikTok, is a 28-year-old podiatry surgical resident from Maryland. And a repost of a video she shared about an experience with a patient recently went viral with 3.5 million views. "Do you know why it's important to have a Black doctor if you're Black?" she asked.
@joelbervell
Representation in medicine isn't just important—it's lifesaving. This video from @dr. nonny | medicine | beauty shows how a patient was almost misdiagnosed with frostbite simply because of the color of their skin. When we lack diversity in medicine, these mistakes happen. DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) isn't just a buzzword—it's a necessity for better patient care and outcomes. This is why we must continue to push for a healthcare system that truly represents and serves everyone.
♬ original sound - joelbervell
TikTok: @joelbervell / Via
"There was a patient I saw today. I got a consult [from a colleague]. He's like, 'Hey, we think this is frostbite.' I was like, 'Oh man.'"
"Thinking that it was going to be 'dry gangrene.' And if you don't know what that is, that means your toes are basically going to fall off, and you need to put betadine and everything to make sure it stays dry until you can amputate it," she explained.
"I said, 'Do they have, you know, what's going on?' Like – they're like, 'Oh, it looks necrotic, it looks blackened, it looks...'"
TikTok: @naturallynonny / Via
*long, disappointed pause*
"I went to the patient, and the patient had hyperpigmentation. They [the colleague] told me it was necrotic. That patient had cap refill," she said.
"Their toes were alive, they're just Black — ya," she concluded.
In an interview with BuzzFeed, Dr. Mgboji addressed that question, acknowledging, "At my institution, I don't believe there was an overwhelming amount of literature or pictures about different melanated skin tones, but we were instructed to recognize that things will, in fact, look different on various complexions."
She shared how Black people can advocate for themselves if they're ever in this predicament. "Understand medical terminology at least, and in some circumstances, get a second opinion."
BET+ / Via
"The best way is having a trusted family member or friend in the medical field. The medical field is very complex, and it's good to have someone close to you who can explain things to you in a way that you understand," she said.
