Department of Internal Medicine Statement on Social Injustice
In the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr who said, "our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter," we felt compelled to say something about the shocking situation we find ourselves in: a city in curfew, a country riven by division, and a world in the midst of a pandemic.
As physicians who entered our profession to care for others, the events of the week that started last Monday with the horrific death of George Floyd and ended with peaceful-protests-turned-lawless are antithetical to our core ethos. As a result, many of us have experienced a range of emotions that include sadness, anger, disbelief, and hopelessness. Racism, bigotry and violence are unacceptable in any form. As physicians we are aware of the reality of racial injustices in healthcare: access to care, treatment, and outcomes. Most recently we are aware of the racial disparities that are plaguing the COVID-19 crisis in our country and our own state. The recent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor have given us real examples of the stark reality of racism in America.
We recognize, acknowledge and act against racial inequity and discrimination in our country by starting with ourselves. We should commit to do what we can to eliminate racism in all aspects of our lives. We must acknowledge that this takes daily work. For those students, faculty, and staff experiencing fear, uncertainty, despair, anger, or any other of the many emotions produced by recent events, please remember that you are not alone. People react to these emotions differently. Let us all treat each other with respect and sensitivity. There are many resources available to support you during this difficult time:
- Employee Assistance Program: Schedule an appointment by calling 801-587-9319 or 800-926-9619
- Resiliency Center
This week, we can make a commitment to bring awareness to racism in our country as we all mourn the victims of societal violence, and to show our commitment to be anti-racist. We ask that you consider participation in our campaign on Wednesday June 3 to run with "University of Utah Internal Medicine Run Against Racism." June 3 is Global Running Day. We have committed a running team to acknowledge the death of Ahmaud Arbery, who was killed while running in Georgia and serves as a symbol of acknowledgement to all acts of racism in our country. We provide this forum as a way to act positively to acknowledge these events and commit to change going forward. If you choose, please commit to our team at: www.globalrunningday.org.
We are proud of, and grateful for, the remarkable people in the Department of Internal Medicine. We have recently faced a global pandemic, an earthquake and now disheartening events demonstrating the social injustice in our society. Through all of this members of the Department have remained strong, positive and respectful. We have faced crises before. As in the past we will overcome these challenges by supporting each other. We will become stronger, more united and more committed to our core principles of equality and justice.
Sincerely,
David J. Bjorkman, MD, MSPH, SM
Interim Chair, Department of Internal Medicine
John M. Inadomi, MD
Incoming Chair, Department of Internal Medicine
Fred G. Welt, MD
Vice Chair, Clinical Affairs
Caroline K. Milne, MD
Vice Chair, Education
Alfred K. Cheung, MD
Vice Chair, Research
Michael A. Rubin, MD, PhD, MS
Vice Chair, Faculty Affairs & Development
T. Scott Wall, MD
Associate Chair, Veteran's Affairs
Kevin T. Dustin, MBA
Associate Chair, Administration & Finance