CONTINUED...
Nikhitha Kotha, COM ‘23
Very appreciative of the commitment shown to social justice by the training given to C&O leaders as well as the initiative for each C&O to hold events that would allow for similar discussions -- makes people think about how racism integrates into numerous areas, and forces C&Os that are not social justice focused to contemplate these issues in relation to their speciality or interest; also encourages starting conversations within e-boards about racism and racial justice, especially with those students who are uncomfortable with these concepts or believe that they are an issue of politics rather than human rights.
The disproportionate impact of COVID on different populations is directly related to the racism in this country and in the healthcare system; in the end, where people live, what education or employment they have, what treatment they are able to afford and/or access -- all these variables and more are influenced by racism; it is impossible to hold racism and its impacts separate.
Ironically, despite the disproportionate toll on the Black community, I think it is also the unexpected free time granted by COVID for many, often due to loss of employment, which allowed for the response to George Floyd’s death to be able to gain such momentum all over the country.
The problem with race-based medicine | Dorothy Roberts