A message from Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun, president of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler

June 2, 2020

I know all of us have strong feelings about the images of a Minneapolis policeman’s knee on the neck of a handcuffed George Floyd, his tragic death as breath left his body, the sight of other officers failing to intervene and the expressions of pain and frustration about the treatment of people of color by some of those who are pledged to protect and serve all of us. The pain is tremendous, and it is very upsetting that such things continue to occur on a regular basis.

I thank every police officer who truly honors that pledge to protect and serve and who fulfills that commitment though their actions. Like we in healthcare, who must always see to a patient’s safety, the police also are responsible to do all they can do to provide safety to those in their legal custody.

There is no doubt that too many people of color have lost their lives unnecessarily. The list of unarmed young black men who have been killed is long and an appropriate response is still lacking. Many good officers I know agree and want to see change come about. I thank the many police officers who exercise appropriate and attentive control and ask that they help identify those who lack the attitude or capacity to do this very difficult and essential job well.

Martin Luther King said, “Law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and when they fail in this purpose, they become the dangerously structured dam that blocks the flow of social progress.”

Let us show compassion and empathy for the many individuals and families who find themselves subject to racism, brutality or disrespectful conduct by anyone given the special powers. We should also support and appreciate those good law enforcement officers who put their own lives at risk to ensure our well-being and safety, including our right to peacefully protest.

The problems we see today have many origins. Racial injustice, poverty, lack of educational opportunity and poor health outcomes are contributing factors. We all have a role to play in defeating racism and in addressing health inequities. The coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated how these inequities harm people of color and the poor the most. It demonstrates how history, policies and economic conditions actually lead to health disparities, poor health outcomes and lower life expectancy for many of us. For all of us who work in healthcare, improving health in our community is a particular obligation.

As we go about our daily work it is important that we keep in mind our own duty. We need to put ourselves in the shoes of our patients and colleagues who live daily with these issues, to be understanding and supportive of human beings who find themselves in difficult circumstances. We need to be tolerant of those who find it difficult to communicate, who lack transportation to our facilities, who mis-understand healthcare advice or who fail to be compliant with their medical care.

First and foremost, we should advocate strongly that all people be treated without regard to their race, religion or place of origin. To do otherwise would be an unforgiveable violation of the public trust and our special privilege to interact with and treat patients, train the next generation of health professionals and do lifesaving research.

Finally, Reverend King also said the following, “Let no man pull you so low as to hate him.” The violence we have seen on our TV screens is not the answer to these problems. There are better ways available to focus anger, frustration and despair. I am confident that the voices of reason will win out in these circumstances. Just like we will not accept police misconduct, we cannot accept looting, throwing a rock or lighting a fire. We should not allow these acts of violence to muffle the important message that needs to be heard by those in authority.

We must identify proper actions that will have a meaningful impact and result in lasting, positive change. It starts with looking into our own hearts, peacefully expressing our opinions, being courageous when we witness abuse and holding our leaders accountable while embracing the oneness of mankind.

Kirk A. Calhoun, MD, FACP
President
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler