An Indelible Impression
Two Black doctors caring for a Black patient left one doctor feeling proud.
Rido/AdobeStock
POETRY
I had an encounter with a patient last week that left an indelible impression on me and the resident I supervise in clinic. As I entered the room, the patient had an incredulous look on her face. Two Black physicians in one room caring for a member of their community resulted in effusive praise. Her countenance radiated with joy as she stated how proud she was of her Black brothers. Moments such as these remind me to press onward and sow seeds to help achieve equity for communities of color. Black excellence is in motion.
I will leave you with some reflections in the form of a haiku:
Welcomed Black surprise
receiving incessant praise
for rare encounter
Dr Clark is clinical assistant professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville and medical director & division chief for Adult Inpatient and Consult-Liaison Services for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at Prisma Health-Upstate. He serves as the Diversity & Inclusion Section Editor and Advisory Board member for Psychiatric TimesTM.
