A 🧵for MLK day. A series of conversations I had with physicians for @medscape discussing, some publicly for the first time, on racisms and what it means and what it takes to be Black in medicine. Basically, there is no badge big enough. medscape.com/viewarticle/93… via @medscape
The amazing @DermDocJenna who keeps her sense of humor despite racist slights: "One time when I walked into a room and someone said, "You're the doctor?" And I said, "Yup, we can be doctors now."
The impressive @eldrinL is the head of cardiology @Stanford. Despite stethoscope, pager, and white coat, he can be mistaken for being transport. And he gets nervous every time he gets behind the wheel of his car. "I always keep my hands in plain sight." medscape.com/viewarticle/93…
Psychiatrist @naharrisonmd was told she needed to straighten her hair if she wanted to get into med school. She's been asked by patients if she has a spear in her closet. This proud daughter of a Black Panther doesn't stand for any of it. medscape.com/viewarticle/93…
Resident @kebedemd went into an OR to observe a case but was told not to worry because the room had already been cleaned. "These things happen all the time. The patients or other medical staff...assume I'm the janitor or that I'm there to pick up food." medscape.com/viewarticle/93…
The incredible @DocPatTeachOne is a leader in academic medicine @brownmedicine but even as chief resident was never asked if she was interested in research or academics. Everyone assumed she would "go back to her community." medscape.com/viewarticle/93…
The inspiring Dr. Milton Little of @CedarsSinai is one of the nation's 1.4% of Black orthopedic surgeons. He's operated on patients who have swastika tattoos and others who have asked if he can breakdance. He fighting for a better world for his children. medscape.com/viewarticle/93…
Here's the incomparable @uche_blackstock discussing leaving academic medicine and the pain she feels when her Black Covid-19 patients say they won't go to the hospital even when very sick because they fear they'll be treated poorly. medscape.com/viewarticle/93…
It's been hard for @EKNduom to speak about racism in his conservative field of neurosurgery. But he's done with people saying Blacks who succeed are "exceptional" and that the system is fair. "I want to change who is in the room making the decisions." medscape.com/viewarticle/93…
I want to thank these physicians for sharing their painful but inspiring stories of fortitude, family support, and all they are doing to make medicine, and the world, a better place for all of us. (I cried during these interviews.) Thanks also to @lyrebard for amazing editing.
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