Yvonne Osagie and Med Melanin: Bridging Healthcare Gaps for Women of Colour.

For too long, women—particularly racialized women—have faced inequities in healthcare delivery. Despite medical advances, the health system remains fraught with biases that impact how care is provided. Imagine being dismissed by a clinician in an emergency room or having your concerns ignored during a consultation simply because your experience doesn't align with the doctor's expectations. These biases, often tied to race, lead to misdiagnoses, substandard care, and, at times, tragic outcomes.

Yvonne Osagie, MBET knows this struggle all too well. When her friend was misdiagnosed for the third time and accused of seeking drugs, Yvonne felt a mix of anger and frustration. Determined to uncover the root causes of these healthcare disparities, she embarked on months of research, speaking with over 300 women of color (WOC) and physicians. What she discovered was a deep-seated systemic problem—one that contributed to widespread frustration, worsening health outcomes, and, in some cases, even the loss of lives.

Yvonne didn’t just want to uncover the problem; she wanted to be part of the solution. In response, she founded Med Melanin , a telehealth platform designed to enhance the healthcare experience for women of color. Med Melanin empowers WOC by placing them at the center of their healthcare journey, equipping them with the knowledge and tools they need to advocate for their well-being. But more than just a platform, Med Melanin is a community—a safe space where women can share their stories and receive guidance on navigating the healthcare system.

The Root of the Problem: Systemic Bias

For years, medicine failed to account for the experience of women in health care and health research. Until recently, women were traditionally excluded from drug trials, among other health studies, leading to a shortage of data on how behavior, biology, and social factors affect women's health. For women of color, the exclusion was worse as the nuanced experiences within groups of women were largely ignored in research and health care until recently. As a result, the healthcare system remains ill-equipped to address the unique health disparities faced by women of color.

Biases within the healthcare sector only exacerbate the problem. Studies have shown that healthcare providers who hold the false belief that Black people are less sensitive to pain are more likely to provide inadequate care. For instance, Black patients with traumatic injuries are 41% less likely than white patients to receive pain medication.

Yvonne Osagie, MBET believes that empowering and educating all women, especially women of color, to take an active role in their healthcare can reduce the likelihood of misdiagnoses and other harmful outcomes. And that’s precisely where Med Melanin comes in—offering women the resources they need to advocate for themselves and demand the quality care they deserve.

A Personalized Approach to Health Advocacy

At its core, Med Melanin promotes equality in healthcare, starting with recognizing women of color in medical research, policies, and treatment protocols. On an individual level, the platform educates and empowers women to become confident self-advocates, arming them with the tools necessary to navigate an often-unfriendly healthcare system.

One of Med Melanin ’s standout features is its symptom questionnaire, designed to help users track and understand their health concerns before a medical consultation. By offering valuable insights into their symptoms, the platform enables women to have more productive and informed discussions with healthcare providers.

Med Melanin also bridges the cultural gap in healthcare by connecting patients with culturally competent physicians—healthcare providers trained to understand the unique challenges WOC faces. This culturally sensitive care removes the fear of bias and ensures that women receive the individualized care they need, leading to better health outcomes overall.

Yvonne Osagie, MBET and the Med Melanin Journey to Inclusive Healthcare

Launched in May 2024, Med Melanin is already making waves. The platform has earned accolades like the Audience Choice Award and the Idea Stage first prize at the Nobellum Black Innovation Summit (BIS)—a testament to Yvonne Osagie’s dedication and hard work.

A 加拿大卡尔顿大学 graduate with a master’s degree in business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology from the 加拿大滑铁卢大学 , Yvonne has always wanted to make a positive social impact. Her diverse background, spanning go-to-market partnerships, public speaking, and entrepreneurship, has equipped her with the expertise needed to lead Med Melanin. At the core of her leadership philosophy is the belief that everyone has a unique light to share.?

Med Melanin’s mission is fueled by a network of dedicated supporters, including women of color, physicians, and a team of professionals passionate about inclusive healthcare. The company’s next steps are underway, with the development of a mobile app and various community initiatives like the upcoming “Period Party,” designed to educate women about menstrual health.

Through these efforts, Med Melanin is well on its way to reshaping healthcare for women of color, using technology to facilitate personalized, culturally competent care. If you’re interested in healthcare support or want to contribute to this mission, contact the Med Melanin team and participate in a change movement.

Written by Pitch Insights Consulting