I’ve seen a lot of (well intending) docs share this sentiment so let tell you about something that actually happened to me this spring

I was having a HORRIBLE week. Genuinely, it was awful. I wanted to drop out. I was miserable 1/ https://twitter.com/01sth02/status/1277945504622694401
I had posted some things on my private/personal Facebook regarding how aggravating my semester had been and how frustrating a school policy was. This was something I had voiced to the schools in a very professional fashion multiple times and there had been no change 2/
A 2nd year I was not friends with got my personal cell phone number and took it upon himself to text me. I told him to leave me alone and that it wasn’t his business nor place to be reaching out to me, and that my feelings towards school was my business 3/
A week later I was brought into a meeting with members of SGA who had screenshots of those text messages and said that any communication with a fellow student was covered under professionalism and based on what I said I could be reported to the deans for a write up 4/
Keep in mind this was my PERSONAL cell phone number, OUTSIDE of school, and it was thoughts I posted to a personal and private Facebook page that has NO affiliation with my school - none. My school is not listed anywhere on any social media, nor did I name professors/classes 5/
I was told if I said ANYTHING negative about the school to classmates or colleagues in perosn or via texting/social media that I would be reported for professionalism. Was literally told that if they heard me complaining at school I would be reported for professionalism 6/
Needless to say, I was VERY happy when our semester went remote because of COVID
This was my classmates literally threatening my future because I posted an opinion they didn’t agree with, an opinion they didn’t at all impact them. Was just me voicing frustrations 7/
Now IMAGINE how it feels for a minority student to be speaking out about issues that really matter - the racism, bigotry, homophobia, transphobia, etc. that lives in healthcare?
I was threatened for being annoyed at a TESTING POLICY - imagine my opinions on gay rights?!? 8/
I’ve talked one on one with several docs and other professionals on here via DM, I’m not anonymous because I post offensive things or because I’m embarrassed of who I am.

I’m anonymous because “professionalism” is ambiguous standards set by the people in power 9/
I can’t change the toxic culture of medicine & med ed if I get blacklisted from residency because of valid criticism of our medical education & culture of privilege.

Look at the power dynamics of students and schools/medical institutions - it’s not a surprise we’re scared
10/10
You can follow @DrSomedayMaybe.
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