Perspectives on Race and Medicine in the NICU.

Current data regarding racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes of newborns requiring care in an NICU reveal significant differences in quality and access to care that disproportionally affects infants of color, particularly African American infants. These inequalities result in an increased infant mortality rate for Black children and higher preterm birth rates, as well as an increase in deaths due to low birth weight and decreased gestational age. Concurrently, there is emerging research exploring the role of diversity and adequate representation among medical providers in patient outcomes in Black communities.