A Year Later

In our July 2020 issue, several surgical professionals bravely shared their experiences of racism and expressed hope for a more inclusive future. We asked them to reflect on what’s changed — and what hasn’t — as the nation continues to grapple with issues of racial and social injustices. Their thoughts are just as powerful and poignant today.
— OSM Editors

As a person of color, I’d been fragile and reflective for more than a year as a result of the George Floyd murder. No one, regardless of their race, should be treated so inhumanely. To see such horrible conduct from a police officer playing out in front of our eyes was gut-wrenching. I will never forget those images.

Since sharing my thoughts in these pages last summer, the overall climate at work has remained the same. A doctor approached me and said, “I don’t get the Black Lives Matter thing. They’re a bad group of people, and they’re causing more problems.” I was shocked and obviously disagreed, but realized it wasn’t worth my energy to try to change his mind. I simply said, “My lived experiences are different than yours, so I support the movement.” We can agree to disagree.

I’ve also had several constructive conversations with coworkers, most of which were empathetic in nature. Some colleagues have shared with me their disgust and frustrations about the amount of racial injustice that has gone on in the last couple of years. The George Floyd incident pushed them over the edge regarding the lack of accountability.

I appeared on the cover of last year’s July issue because I wanted to be a voice of change. I’m not sure how things will be different in surgery if discrimination in America continues or if new ways of recruitment and inclusion aren’t implemented. Minority representation in surgery will continue to be minimal if there’s a continued lack of awareness and affordable access to the wide variety of jobs available, if minorities in health care are made to feel as if they don’t belong and the input on matters important to persons of color remains unaddressed by leaders or management. Not much has changed in a year, so the work must continue.

Ari Collins, SA-C, CST
Surgical Technologist
University of Colorado Health System

My reaction to the Derek Chauvin verdict was a tiny sigh of relief for George Floyd’s family and the community who protested and prayed on his behalf. The verdict cautiously elevated my hope that we might be one step closer to this type of behavior ending. Sadly, more people of color have been killed by law enforcement in extremely questionable situations since George Floyd’s death. The reality is that there is still a system in place that allows more murders to be committed against people of color.

Cultural awareness has definitely been elevated in the last year. A strong effort has been made to break down the barriers that prevent constructive communication. Safe spaces have been created for people to examine their own beliefs and learn how unconscious bias plays into systemic racism, racial disparities, inequity and injustice. Progressive action is being taken in pockets across the country, but individual efforts and decisions are not as robust because some people are nervous to say anything, unwilling to do the hard work on themselves or refuse to give up their privilege by speaking out.

I have spoken up, and the experience has been enlightening. I’ve been genuinely asked how I’m feeling, and about things I have dealt with in my life. People have asked how they can be an active ally in the workplace and in their communities. Some of my friends and colleagues apologized to me for not taking personal responsibility in situations where they witnessed racism, but said and did nothing.

Moving forward, we need more education, awareness and an evidence-based road map to make change happen. People with a passion for diversity, equity and inclusion must continue to push for change. As the second woman and person of color elected to AORN’s National Treasurer Office, I have an obligation to help increase diversity in health care. We all must do our part to ensure positive change for our patients and generations of nurses to follow.

Nakeisha M. Archer, MBA, RN, NE-BC, CNOR, CSSM
Director of Perioperative Services
Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women

After a long workday at the onset of the pandemic, I experienced terrifying anti-Asian hatred while leaving the hospital. After what happened to me last year, my colleagues have been incredibly supportive. In the general public, there’s been a lot more awareness as there were many more reports publicized in the media and then, of course, the shootings in Atlanta, which propelled the concerns about hate against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) to the forefront of the American consciousness. I hope that momentum continues.

My hospital’s diversity and inclusion committee created a solidarity event for our AAPI community in response to the Atlanta shootings. Some of my colleagues shared intimate stories of hate they’ve encountered or that their kids have encountered. It was a safe space where people could share, and it was a very supportive environment.

We can’t remain silent. We must constantly educate people around us about anti-Asian racism to promote supportive behavior and develop allies, to institute a culture of breaking the silence in everyday lives. We must hold onto little advances, and keep moving forward.

Lucy Li, MD
Resident Anesthesiologist
Massachusetts General Hospital