Incoming thread alert 1/x
Today while working a patient called me a racial slur, blamed "my people" for bringing COVID into this world, and asked for another doctor. I didn't think much of it at first - the patient is sick, they need help, and it's my job to provide it.

2/x I stayed professional, saw the patient, and went on with my day. I didn't think twice about it. However, on my drive home I started reflecting - why is this ok? Why is this the norm in the ED?

3/x If I came to your place of work and did this, what would be the repercussions? I thought about a talk by @kwadwo777 about systemic racism in this country and medicine. It exists. Our job as doctors is to put patients first, and stay professional.

4/4 However, our job isn't to accept it as the norm. If we don't at the very least acknowledge that it's not ok, then it will never change. I love my job in the ED and I understand that I'm seeing patients at their worst day, but that doesn't mean we can't change HCW safety.