As protests continue throughout the world in the wake of George Floyd’s death, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) has issued a statement condemning racism and violence.
The statement, available here in full, emphasized that Floyd’s death “represents a painful national legacy of institutional racism.”
“African Americans in the United States face racism and systemic inequities that also include significant health disparities,” according to the statement. “As the world’s largest organization of heart and lung surgeons, STS is acutely aware that heart disease is the leading cause of death for African Americans. African Americans also have the highest incidence and death rate from lung cancer and have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The STS also wrote that it “stands with African American students, trainees, colleagues, and members as everyone navigates this difficult time.”
The Association of Black Cardiologists, American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology also collaborated on a joint statement that touches on racism, violence and healthcare disparities related to racial minorities in the United States.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.