Intention to Treat | Season 2: The Race Equation (Trailer)

Medical algorithms and diagnostic tools used daily in hospitals frequently incorporate race-based adjustments that negatively impact the care of Black patients. These clinical equations influence critical decisions, including organ transplant eligibility and ventilator access during respiratory crises. The practice stems from a long-standing, scientifically flawed belief that Black and white bodies are biologically distinct—a concept tracing back to the era of Thomas Jefferson and American slavery. Modern medical practitioners and researchers are now challenging these embedded biases, revealing that assumptions about physiological differences, such as muscle mass or respiratory function, often lack empirical basis. By relying on these "race equations," the healthcare system perpetuates systemic harm and unequal outcomes. The movement to remove race from clinical algorithms seeks to replace historical misconceptions with evidence-based medicine to ensure equitable treatment for all patients regardless of skin color.