Statement Against Racism

We live in an unjust nation, one in which Black Americans have been systematically oppressed. The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others - some whose names we know, but many whose names we don’t - have galvanized our world and forced us to reconcile with the shameful parts of our past while facing the injustices of the present. The persistence of racial violence at the hands of those in power subverts the fundamental ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These ideals were not created inclusively, and current events have relentlessly shown the ways in which we do not value the lives, success, innovation, beauty and struggle of the Black community.

Racism has permeated our society since the genesis of our country and inequality persists in our education system, justice system, and most insidiously of all, our healthcare system. Racism is a public health crisis. In our specialty alone, the statistics are damning. Black mothers are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts, regardless of education, income, or other socioeconomic factors. Black infants are twice as likely to die by their first birthday than white infants.

The time to act is now. We can no longer be passive bystanders in this fight for equality. The medical community is uniquely situated to right these wrongs by acknowledging systemic racism as a threat to public and individual health. We must start providing more support towards community efforts and organizations in order to reduce racial disparities, from preventing police brutality to improving maternity care. The Black community is aching and for too long, we have stood by in complicit silence. With this statement, we acknowledge our failures and commit ourselves to the necessary work of becoming an anti-racist residency program.

The University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University Ob/Gyn residency commits to the following:

1. To our patients: We recognize the profound impact of racism on your health and wellbeing. We commit to providing excellent, equitable and unbiased obstetric and gynecologic care; to actively listening to your concerns, and to support your individual healthcare goals.
2. To our current and future colleagues: We commit to standing up against microaggressions in the workplace in order to promote a safe, diverse, and inclusive environment. We commit to being your ally and treating you with respect.
3. To our learners and students: We commit to creating a positive and productive learning environment, one in which we can help you grow and flourish without bias, prejudice, or concerns for safety. We commit to celebrating your successes and growth during your journey in medicine.