PRESIDENT’S REPORT Robert E. Suter, DO, MHA, FACOEP-D

hese are extraordinary times, both for our society and our specialty. First, we are hit with the full force of the COVID-19 virus. We are experiencing tragic loss of life, massive unemployment, reduced ED volumes, and a corresponding reduction in hours and pay for emergency physicians and others. Travel restrictions and limits on social gathering led to Spring Seminar transitioning to a virtual format, and we look to the future to determine what this means for ACOEP as an organization.

Then, the gut punch of another death of another Black man in police custody, leading to massive protests.

ACOEP is a family, and we know that many of our members, especially people of color – physicians, residents, students, and staff – are hurting and angry. Our community is our strength, and so we must grieve together, while resolving to work together to create a better future.

ACOEP stands united firmly against racism, unconscious bias, and unequal treatment in all its horrific forms. We are vehemently antiracist.

As much as I want to empathize based on my own experiences, I cannot fully understand the realities Black Americans deal with on a daily basis.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT Robert E. Suter, DO, MHA, FACOEP-D

If we recognize that we are a family, then we need to move forward together and resolve to eliminate policies and behaviors in society that are endangering our community. We will only solve the problems of our society together. We shall overcome, together.

While not perfect, one of the more successful areas in our society regarding racial issues is the military where many policies require transparency when investigating potential racism or discriminatory issues. As a senior officer, I have been involved in addressing many of these cases.

As emergency physicians dedicated to saving lives, the thought of the death of any human being as the result of any form of discrimination is abhorrent. As individuals we will focus on providing compassionate care to all who come through our doors to reduce discriminatory disparities in the emergency department. We will continue to proudly fulfill this universal mission.

ACOEP will contribute to this effort by adding hours of educational programing focused on identifying institutional racism and reducing unconscious bias to provide the knowledge and tools for all of us to help us better do our part.

We can do this. We can be part of the solution, be part of creating a future in which we eliminate racism.

If we all work together, our best days are ahead of us. –• –