Gratitude for Black Doctors
In November of 2020, when I got my flu shot in the care of my primary care doctor, Dr. Christine Gill, it warmed my heart when she shared that she had just given a presentation to her fellow colleagues about the benefits of acupuncture for migraines. As an acupuncturist, my philosophy of care is integrative, and it is encouraging to see that philosophy of care reflected back from other medical professionals. In addition to the care of Dr. Gill, I have experienced a tremendous amount of care from other black doctors in the city on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, namely the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, organized by Dr. Ala Stanford. The Black Doctors Consortium’s barrier-free approach to care has enabled me to get tested along with my entire family including small children whenever needed, and most recently, I received my first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine through the BDCC. I didn’t hesitate to sign up when I received the recommendation from Dr. Gill, and I particularly appreciated that with each of my experiences, the medical staff I encountered, including Dr. Stanford, looked me in the eye, explained every aspect of the procedures, and made me feel safe and regarded. It feels encouraging to be one step closer to keeping myself, my family, my patients, and my community safer from the spread of the virus. Thank you, Black Doctors Consortium and all healthcare workers on the frontlines of COVID care. *Please note, this personal account should not be taken as medical advice - anyone reading this should contact their primary care provider when making medical decisions.
