SFMMS President Brian Grady, M.D., statement on institutionalized racism June 2, 2020 Public Health COVID-19, Racism 0 San Francisco Marin Medical Society (SFMMS) President Brian Grady, M.D., released the following statement in response to the death of George Floyd, institutionalized racism in America, and the protests of recent days: “Like so many Americans, the physician communities of San Francisco and Marin counties reacted to the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota with sadness and horror. We are reminded that institutionalized racism is a social determinant of health and that underrepresented communities face the stark reality of state-sanctioned violence. As physicians embedded in our communities and dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable among us, we believe that there is no room in America for hatred and discrimination and that so long as it persists, it affects the health and wellbeing of all Americans. As physician leaders, we have a responsibility to stand with our patient communities against institutionalized racism. Dr. Peter Bretan, President of the California Medical Association and a Marin-based physician member of SFMMS, wrote yesterday that "We respect and commend the professional ideals of those serving in law enforcement. We also acknowledge the sacrifices of those committed to protecting and serving our communities with honor. But we cannot ignore the systemic problems embedded within our justice system that endanger the lives of Black and Brown communities. We cannot tolerate any culture that cultivates the infliction of racial violence and the mistreatment of its people. This means we must also examine the systems and practices of our own medical profession.” We at SFMMS echo Dr. Bretan’s sentiments. The physicians of San Francisco and Marin counties stand ready to work with our communities and their leaders to defend compassion, empathy, respect, and dignity for all.” Comments are closed.
