Structural racism is a public health crisis. News reports this past week about a Neo-Nazi demonstration targeting two members of the Harvard Medical School community, Drs. Michelle Morse and Bram Wispelwey, were distressing. Michelle and I were classmates at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and I have the highest respect for her. We must declare our support for and solidarity with Michelle and Bram, and for fixing America’s broken, inequitable health care system.
I spoke with several people close to the situation today, and I can say one thing for sure – we cannot stay silent. Tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 6, an event is planned from noon–3 p.m., outside of Brigham and Women’s, which organizers are describing as a peaceful “March for Medical Freedom.” The event is in response to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for solid organ transplant candidates. As professional colleagues, we must condemn attacks on Drs. Morse and Wispelwey, as well as their colleagues fighting racial inequities. Health care institutions, universities, and government leaders must protect and support innovative thinkers like Drs. Morse and Wispelwey who seek new ways to promote health equity.
We can sing out — We Shall Overcome. This is an important song from the Civil Rights Movement which still rings true today. In dark times, it gives us hope. We can use the arts to push us forward when we want to stay back.
Philip A. Lederer 
Thanks
On Sat, Feb 5, 2022 at 8:21 PM Health and Healing wrote:
> Philip Lederer MD posted: ” Structural racism is a public health crisis. > News reports this past week about a neo-Nazi demonstration targeting two > members of the Harvard Medical School community, Drs. Michelle Morse and > Bram Wispelwey, are distressing. Michelle and I were classmates” >
P.S. Very powerful and beautiful video, Son. Love, Mom
On Sat, Feb 5, 2022 at 8:21 PM Health and Healing wrote:
> Philip Lederer MD posted: ” Structural racism is a public health crisis. > News reports this past week about a neo-Nazi demonstration targeting two > members of the Harvard Medical School community, Drs. Michelle Morse and > Bram Wispelwey, are distressing. Michelle and I were classmates” >
It is so disturbing that it is considered acceptible by so many people that groups like this have gained traction in this country to perpetrate such hate (leading to violence) in so many areas. Even Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine is looked at by many lawmakers as okay. I agree that we must not accept such movements in our society.
thanks for the comment. Phil