I’d say we agree on a lot of things. But the big thing we disagree on is that systemic racism is a force acting on the medical system, just as it acts on every other institution that shapes our lives. If you have not spoken extensively to patients about their experiences with racism, or read the extensive critiques of this reality, then we can’t really have a conversation about institutional racism because you have no idea what I’m talking about.

Oppressive factors can and do coexist. Good doctors can and do want to help all patients, and still ascribe to subconscious biases. That’s why it’s so important for even people with a long history of good work in the field to stay open-minded and keep learning.