Thread by @ebmalinzakMD

In today's @ASALifeline MMO, learned about Dr Herman Barnett's accomplishments & strife. Thanks @marydahlen: "It’s clear that more needs to be done for equality, both in society overall and in medicine and anesthesiology specifically." #BlackMeninMedicine #BlackHistoryMonth

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Dr. Barnett was a fighter pilot in WW2, followed by 1st African-American medical student in Texas, at UTMB...although not without controversy, prejudice, & discrimination. Graduated cum laude, pursued surgery residency, then anesthesiology residency.

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A great leader & physician, he was appointed to Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, & elected president of Houston Independent School District (1st African-American in both positions). Sadly, his potential & life were cut short by a tragic plan accident at 47 y.

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I found this brief bio inspiring for this Monday morning, but also called to attention the need to improve our #diversity #inclusion #equity in anesthesiology. 13% US population is African-American, yet URMs only 8.7% of anesthesiology workforce, & 6% @ASALifeline leadership.

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I Tweet mostly #genderequity #WomenInMedicine & @womenMDinanesth but what I have learned has made me advocate #inclusion for all races, genders, sexual orientation, etc, & educate others about #implicitbias. Deliberately choosing #diversity has enriched my life & career.

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