Page 8 - Delaware Medical Journal - July/August 2020
P. 8
MEDICAL SOCIETY OF DELAWARE EXECUTIVE BOARD
STATEMENT ON RACISM, INTOLERANCE, SOCIAL INJUSTICE, AND VIOLENCE
The recent tragic and senseless death of George Floyd, as a result of police brutality as captured on video, has once again exposed disturbing elements which have, unfortunately, been present since the beginning of this great experiment in human history called “American Democracy.” Racism, intolerance, social injustice, and inequalities touch every fabric of this nation.
overwhelmingly negative and toxic impact these social determinants have had on communities of color, the uninsured, and the underinsured. Too many people have been marginalized, discounted, discriminated against, and subjected to systemic brutality for no other reason than the color of their skin, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, or insurance
are as physicians and why we chose medicine as our profession.
It is also antithetical to the ideals and principles
us as Americans and which make this American experiment called “democracy” special in the world: the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the beliefs symbolized by the Statue of Liberty. However, we continue to live in a reality where those principles and ideals are not equally applied to all Americans.
This is a moment in our history where we as physicians must make our position clear and unequivocal regarding the impact of racism, systemic brutality, and other social determinants, both on our patients as well as the communities in which we live and serve.
This is not and will never be easy work. It will require that we step out of our comfort zones and our protected,
the following: We stand together against racism, intolerance, social injustice, and violence in every form and both condemn and reject ANY and ALL such acts, regardless of their form or presentation.
The world is watching. Even more importantly,
our children, families, communities, and patients
are watching. We must stand together in both our professional and personal lives to support communities of color and others whose health and progress in our society has been negatively impacted by unequal treatment, health inequities, and social injustices
that have once again been raised to the forefront of
our consciousness as a result of the unjust killing of George Floyd and too many others.
Words alone will never bring change, equality, or healing. It has been said that “words without action is manipulation.” In the coming days, weeks, months, and years, the Medical Society of Delaware will work faith leaders and others in our communities, to ask important questions, listen intently, and engage in meaningful dialogue to seek greater knowledge to provide compassion and healing. We can and should hold ourselves to this high standard.
Consistent with our mission statement, the Medical Society of Delaware will bring forth its full resources to lead the way to a healthier Delaware. It will do so with civility, compassion, and unity.
— Members of the 2020 MSD Executive Board
6-23-2020
