As we start a new year and celebrate Black History month, the UNC School of Medicine (SOM) chapter of SNMA and the UNC SOM chapter of White Coats 4 Black Lives are proud to present the first installments in their “Actions Speak Louder” Campaign.
As future physicians and medical trainees, we recognize that racism is a public health crisis that affects Black Americans at the physiological, psychological, and molecular level.
The goal of our campaign is not to merely create an emotional response that will last for a moment, nor do we intend to put a bandage on perpetuated problems. Instead, we seek to provoke an eruption of systemic changes by calling out inequities and disparities that have existed for generations. Systemic changes are long-lasting and force institutions to look at the root cause of unconscious bias, health disparities, and institutional racism. Our photo campaign is a visual representation of concerned medical students and medical residents who are committed to equity.
Our work will continue, as we will continue to encourage dialogue. More importantly, we intend to push the needle; leaders of UNC Health and UNC School of Medicine have asked to partner with us and be held accountable. This accountability will elevate the voices of all staff, learners, trainees, and patients by focusing on producing diversity, equity, and justice. We truly believe that in order to be exemplary healthcare providers, we must challenge norms and advocate for the whole patient and society at large.
Preview: https://www.med.unc.edu/inclusion/actions-speak-louder/
Respectfully,
UNC School of Medicine (SOM) chapter of SNMA and the UNC SOM chapter of White Coats 4 Black Lives