2020.06.24 Expanding on anti-racist doctor's dilemma

Social worker here, for perspective, what if the patient said instead, "Dr So&So is incompetent?" Your first reaction would be, probably, not to go on the defensive (to be "anti-derogatory,") We would probably say something positive about the person. We want our colleagues to succeed, as we want our people to get better.

What would the reaction be if you said, with implied challenge to their thinking, that regarding that person of different flavor, "they are an extremely good doctor, many people would have died if it weren't for his or her ability," and, if "your condition were to worsen, we might have to make a consult with them to see if they can save your life, limb, lung, etc." Be realistic as possible, this is also a healing moment.

Be creative, take charge of the situation, go beyond current race baiting, enjoy your skills and teach the people you see. Most of the time we are just looking for a leader who says something good about someone else, so we can join in. I personally believe real racism is a form of mental illness, most of us are not mentally ill, just overwhelmed by the shear volume of vehemence being perpetuated.