Skip to content
  • About
  • Contact
  • Contribute
  • Book
  • Careers
  • Podcast
  • Recommended
  • Speaking
  • All
  • Physician
  • Practice
  • Policy
  • Finance
  • Conditions
  • .edu
  • Patient
  • Meds
  • Tech
  • Social
  • Video
    • All
    • Physician
    • Practice
    • Policy
    • Finance
    • Conditions
    • .edu
    • Patient
    • Meds
    • Tech
    • Social
    • Video
    • About
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Book
    • Careers
    • Podcast
    • Recommended
    • Speaking

Breaking the silence within the medical profession

M. Asad Khalid, MD
Policy
June 4, 2020
71 Shares
Share
Tweet
Share

The stereotypical orthopedic residency class looks like a construction scene from the Flintstones, a few burly white men playing with tools. I can spend time here listing off different statistics and percentages showcasing why orthopedic surgery is the least diverse specialty in medicine, but just the fact that the stereotype is what it is should be enough. With this history in mind, it was almost a shock to see AAOS president Dr. Joseph Bosco release a very eloquent statement on the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police and the ensuing protests and riots across the country (the statement can be found on the AAOS Twitter page in its entirety).

The AAOS should be commended, not just for this statement, but for the efforts placed into diversifying. Multiple initiatives have been embraced to generate more minority involvement in leadership, and this was exemplified by Dr. Kristy Weber serving as the society’s first female president in 2019. Historically, medicine, including its most homogenous subspecialty, is not keen to involve itself in societal issues.

Medical professionals, despite not being largely representative of the lower socioeconomic classes, generally do not discriminate between social classes, ethnicities, or sexual orientations. This does not preclude us from subconscious racial bias, though. “I don’t discriminate in my practice. I am obviously not racist. I am not a part of the problem.” This mentality is personally safe but societally useless. We treat disease, but do nothing to treat the source of the societal disparities that worsen disease. Nobody expects the medical profession to fix society’s biggest social injustices, but we can be a part of the solution through our own care for its constituents. It is clear, now more than ever, that this silence in the face of injustice is not only purposeless, but detrimental towards this goal. The statement given by the AAOS is a huge step towards ending this culture of silence and should be viewed as an example of what our profession can do to help curb systemic racism in our small niche of society.

Systemic racism is a blight on our society, and our profession is not immune. While racism in medicine is not usually as overt as what was seen in Minneapolis, subconscious biases do still exist and affect our colleagues daily. We must use the momentum currently being generated in our country to address the inadequecies in our own profession.

The first step is admitting that there is a problem. We need to look within our programs and practices and see that we all, regardless of skin color, have biases. This not a white male phenomenon. This is pervasive. And, while minorities are disproportionately affected by these biases, if we truly want to obtain the utopia that we seek, we all must face our own subtle biases. Once we realize that we hold biases in our subconscious, then what? How do we change ourselves to ensure that our colleagues and patients do not feel untoward discrimination by our words and actions? What is our finish line, and how do we get from start to finish? When will we be satisfied? There is no objective measure of systemic racism. There is no quota or percentage that will allow us to say, “mission accomplished!” Instead, we are left with nebulous and often intangible aspirations. A medical student, resident, fellow, or attending of any skin color, sexual orientation, or gender should never have to feel like these characteristics have caused them undue hardships. Frankly, this goal is very likely only attainable in our wildest, most socially idealized dreams. It won’t happen. As long as there are differences between us, there will be people that focus on these differences.

So if our ultimate goal of ending subconscious discrimination against our patients and peers isn’t attainable, then what do we do? The answer is that there is no good answer. Nobody knows for sure how to get there or what a realistic goal should be. Encouraging minority participation in leadership is a good step but is only a part of the solution. It is clear, though, that whatever those answers are, they require us to address our own biases. We may never fully eliminate personal biases, but we can call out others’ when we see them. The culture of silence extends to our own interactions with patients and peers. People that speak up against perceived subconscious racism are often seen as being race-baiters and disruptive. Imagine being a medical student in that position. Speaking out against what you see risks your position in the match. This cannot be allowed to continue. We should be championing and encouraging people to speak up when they see discrimination or when they themselves feel it. We must hold each other accountable in order to break this cycle. The culture of silence has to end. And if you truly aren’t comfortable breaking your own silence, allow your colleagues to break theirs. Be an ear for the oppressed and allow their experiences to enrich yours. I am truly proud of our society for taking the first step towards breaking the quiet, but now is the time to continue pushing for more. If the least diverse specialty in medicine can do it, anyone can.

M. Asad Khalid is an orthopedic surgeon.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

Prev

Medical heroism in the age of COVID-19

June 4, 2020 Kevin 0
…
Next

From the COVID-19 front lines: the present and future impact on nephrology

June 4, 2020 Kevin 0
…

Tagged as: Orthopedics

Post navigation

< Previous Post
Medical heroism in the age of COVID-19
Next Post >
From the COVID-19 front lines: the present and future impact on nephrology

Related Posts

  • Restoring the trust in the medical profession

    Philip A. Masters, MD
  • Does the medical profession need their version of the NRA?

    Thomas D. Guastavino, MD
  • The medical profession needs more shadowing opportunities

    Edwin Leap, MD
  • There is a profound lack of self-esteem in the medical profession

    Vincent M. Proctor, PA-C
  • Digital advances in the medical aid in dying movement

    Jennifer Lynn
  • Sleep and the medical profession have an uneasy relationship

    Yoo Jung Kim, MD

More in Policy

  • Unveiling the global pandemic threat: insights into risk factors and urgent measures for prevention

    Ton La, Jr., MD, JD
  • Why the WHO’s pandemic accord is critical for global health care

    Elizabeth Métraux
  • The revolutionary Kaiser-Geisinger deal: How health care giants are reshaping the industry and empowering patients

    Robert Pearl, MD
  • Unveiling the intricate link between housing costs and health care

    Harvey Castro, MD, MBA
  • Uncovering the truth about racial health inequities in America: a book review

    John Paul Mikhaiel, MD
  • Why affirmative action is crucial for health equity and social justice in medicine

    Katrina Gipson, MD, MPH
  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • Boxing legends Tyson and Foreman: powerful lessons for a resilient and evolving health care future

      Harvey Castro, MD, MBA | Physician
    • We need a new Hippocratic Oath that puts patient autonomy first

      Jeffrey A. Singer, MD | Physician
    • A physician’s typical day, as envisioned by a non-clinician health care MBA: a satire

      Jennifer Lycette, MD | Physician
    • Is chaos in health care leading us towards socialized medicine? How physician burnout is a catalyst.

      Howard Smith, MD | Physician
    • Decoding name displays in health care: Privacy, identification, and compliance unveiled

      Deepak Gupta, MD | Physician
    • Unlocking resilience: a powerful journey from trauma to transformation [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
  • Past 6 Months

    • It’s time to replace the 0 to 10 pain intensity scale with a better measure

      Mark Sullivan, MD and Jane Ballantyne, MD | Conditions
    • “Is your surgeon really skilled? The hidden threat to public safety in medicine.

      Gene Uzawa Dorio, MD | Physician
    • Unveiling the hidden damage: the secretive world of medical boards

      Alan Lindemann, MD | Physician
    • Breaking the cycle of racism in health care: a call for anti-racist action

      Tomi Mitchell, MD | Policy
    • Revolutionize your practice: the value-based care model that reduces physician burnout

      Chandravadan Patel, MD | Physician
    • An inspiring tribute to an exceptional radiologist who made a lasting impact

      Kim Downey, PT | Conditions
  • Recent Posts

    • Unlocking resilience: a powerful journey from trauma to transformation [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • Overcoming the lies of depression: Senator John Fetterman’s struggle with mental health

      Harvey Max Chochinov, MD, PhD | Conditions
    • Master the ABIM Certification exam with effective strategies: insider tips for success

      Farzana Hoque, MD | Education
    • A mentor’s legacy in medicine, leadership, and embracing evidence-based care

      Arthur Lazarus, MD, MBA | Physician
    • Breaking free from restrictive covenants to combat burnout

      Raya E. Kheirbek, MD | Physician
    • Fixing the system and prioritizing patient care [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast

Subscribe to KevinMD and never miss a story!

Get free updates delivered free to your inbox.


Find jobs at
Careers by KevinMD.com

Search thousands of physician, PA, NP, and CRNA jobs now.

Learn more

Leave a Comment

Founded in 2004 by Kevin Pho, MD, KevinMD.com is the web’s leading platform where physicians, advanced practitioners, nurses, medical students, and patients share their insight and tell their stories.

Social

  • Like on Facebook
  • Follow on Twitter
  • Connect on Linkedin
  • Subscribe on Youtube
  • Instagram

CME Spotlights

From MedPage Today

Latest News

  • New Data in NSCLC Bolster Support for Perioperative Immunotherapy
  • Breathing Support Type Matters for Preventing Extubation Failure in the PICU
  • Second-Line Axi-Cel Bests Standard in Relapsed/Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma
  • New Agents for Relapsed/Refractory Myeloma Impress in Early-Stage Clinical Trials
  • Kratom Linked to Outsized Proarrhythmic Risks

Meeting Coverage

  • New Data in NSCLC Bolster Support for Perioperative Immunotherapy
  • Second-Line Axi-Cel Bests Standard in Relapsed/Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma
  • New Agents for Relapsed/Refractory Myeloma Impress in Early-Stage Clinical Trials
  • CAR-T Tops Standard Care in Heavily Pretreated Lenalidomide-Refractory Myeloma
  • T-DXd Proves Mettle in Multiple Solid Tumors
  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • Boxing legends Tyson and Foreman: powerful lessons for a resilient and evolving health care future

      Harvey Castro, MD, MBA | Physician
    • We need a new Hippocratic Oath that puts patient autonomy first

      Jeffrey A. Singer, MD | Physician
    • A physician’s typical day, as envisioned by a non-clinician health care MBA: a satire

      Jennifer Lycette, MD | Physician
    • Is chaos in health care leading us towards socialized medicine? How physician burnout is a catalyst.

      Howard Smith, MD | Physician
    • Decoding name displays in health care: Privacy, identification, and compliance unveiled

      Deepak Gupta, MD | Physician
    • Unlocking resilience: a powerful journey from trauma to transformation [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
  • Past 6 Months

    • It’s time to replace the 0 to 10 pain intensity scale with a better measure

      Mark Sullivan, MD and Jane Ballantyne, MD | Conditions
    • “Is your surgeon really skilled? The hidden threat to public safety in medicine.

      Gene Uzawa Dorio, MD | Physician
    • Unveiling the hidden damage: the secretive world of medical boards

      Alan Lindemann, MD | Physician
    • Breaking the cycle of racism in health care: a call for anti-racist action

      Tomi Mitchell, MD | Policy
    • Revolutionize your practice: the value-based care model that reduces physician burnout

      Chandravadan Patel, MD | Physician
    • An inspiring tribute to an exceptional radiologist who made a lasting impact

      Kim Downey, PT | Conditions
  • Recent Posts

    • Unlocking resilience: a powerful journey from trauma to transformation [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • Overcoming the lies of depression: Senator John Fetterman’s struggle with mental health

      Harvey Max Chochinov, MD, PhD | Conditions
    • Master the ABIM Certification exam with effective strategies: insider tips for success

      Farzana Hoque, MD | Education
    • A mentor’s legacy in medicine, leadership, and embracing evidence-based care

      Arthur Lazarus, MD, MBA | Physician
    • Breaking free from restrictive covenants to combat burnout

      Raya E. Kheirbek, MD | Physician
    • Fixing the system and prioritizing patient care [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast

MedPage Today Professional

An Everyday Health Property Medpage Today
  • Terms of Use | Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA Policy
All Content © KevinMD, LLC
Site by Outthink Group

Leave a Comment

Comments are moderated before they are published. Please read the comment policy.

Loading Comments...