Short

I don't often #rant on Twitter, but there's a time for everything.

I've seen multiple doctors asking HCWs in front of others in gatherings on Zoom, or worse even on social media, "Why are YOU even getting a #COVID19 #vaccine now?" Some of this comes from a good place.

Some of these people genuinely want to ensure that we're conserving a finite, precious resource (the #COVID19 #vaccine) for the most vulnerable, whether due to work setting or whatever.

2/

It's not just setting (e.g. ICU vs floor vs outpt) that confers risk. There are other things that may be obvious (e.g. age) or not (e.g. illness). There's a huge stigma assoc w/ illness for drs (I did @HopkinsMedicine Grand Rounds on this: http://bit.ly/2Jh9N5q  this fall). 3/

MANY doctors & other HCWs live w/ serious illnesses like #cancer they NEVER share with their colleagues. For YEARS. As an oncologist who does 2nd opinions, I get consulted both formally, & even more informally, by A LOT of drs who have #bcsm & don't want anyone to know. 4/

I have witnessed drs I know are living privately w/ #cancer be shamed BY A DR IN FRONT OF OTHER DRS for how they have been prioritized for #COVID19 #vaccine. If you aren't close enough to know about their diagnosis already, they don't owe you, let alone a crowd, the news. /Fin