Statement attributable to:
Robert McLean, MD, MACP
President, American College of Physicians
Washington, DC (March 31, 2020) — The American College of Physicians (ACP) strongly condemns any and all harassment, violence and discrimination based on an individual’s race, ethnic origin, ancestry or nationality. As our country and our health care system bear the overwhelming challenge of responding to the COVID-19 national emergency, this ethos is more important than ever. We are deeply concerned about reports of harassment against individuals of Asian descent, including physicians and other clinicians. At this challenging time our focus should be on respecting the dignity of others. We cannot allow prejudice and discrimination to divide us.
ACP has long fought against discrimination due to race, ethnic origin, nationality, cultural background and other personal characteristics. Our policies have called attention to the public health impact of hate crimes and discrimination, and to the harmful consequences of racial and ethnic disparities in health care. It is imperative that physicians, and all people, speak out against hate and discrimination.
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About the American College of Physicians
The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States with members in more than 145 countries worldwide. ACP membership includes 159,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. Follow ACP on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.