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As a queer Black woman, aspiring vascular surgeon, and researcher of medical education/learning environments... everyone I’ve ever met has asked me what I think about ~*that*~ vascular surgery article. 
1/8
1/8
While this article uses professionalism as a euphemism for “ability to adhere to the respectability politics,” this is a natural consequence of changing demographics in a group. Self-appointed gatekeepers tend to be most vocal in times of change. 2/8
I’ve been fortunate enough to attend several conferences and meet a wonderfully diverse array of vascular surgeons (in identity, thought, and experience) who are vocal about further diversifying the field. One paper isn’t representative of an entire specialty. 3/8
Furthermore, the authors and journal have apologized. While that’s the appropriate course of action, the next step is making sure research like this is questioned long before publication. That comes with having multiple perspectives on teams and editorial boards. 4/8
Our generation has moved away from the idea that our career needs to inform every aspect of our lives and what we do outside of work. We seek out work/life balance, and we rightfully demand our identities be accepted in all areas of our lives. 5/8
Most troubling for me was the “controversial social opinions.” If coworkers or patients have negative views of #BLM or LGBTQIA+ rights and equity, they probably don’t want to work with or be treated by me. And that’s mutual. We don’t have a problem there, we have a concensus. 6/8
So while this article was troubling, I’m not deterred about pursuing my current favorite specialty. Taking a note from Nicki Minaj’s “Beez in the Trap,” 100 articles about professionalism can’t tell me nothin. Imma be me, AND have the career I want 
7/8
7/8
Most of all, I’m thankful for the numerous mentors in vascular surgery who both communicate and demonstrate their commitment to advocating for and recruiting minorities and women in the specialty. I know they’ll hold their colleagues accountable, with kindness and grace. 
8/8
8/8
Wow, I’m overwhelmed with all of the encouragement, especially from vascular surgeons 
Practice loving kindness, support #BLM, check out #MOLASSEStheALBUM by @dlive87, and check out our brand new blog http://TheDoctorsLivingston.com , if you care to read any more of my hot takes
Practice loving kindness, support #BLM, check out #MOLASSEStheALBUM by @dlive87, and check out our brand new blog http://TheDoctorsLivingston.com , if you care to read any more of my hot takes
