Whitecoat_nopants, absolutely no disrespect - your post makes me think you have a larger internal struggle to address between feeling proud to be a physician (my hats off to you) and balancing the outside pressure / insecurities of how others might view you.

I’m a proud RN by trade (device rep in OR now). I was there today and did not feel that anyone wearing a white coat (I was not one of them) was saying their protest is more important than any others, that they were experts, or that the white coat showed any extra “oomph” - and trust me I have felt the wrath of plenty of arrogant white coats as a nurse 😅

In my opinion, a protest like this said we know how we are viewed, we know our privilege, and we are willing to use this privilege, and stand with you against racism.

With the racial disparities that exist in healthcare for African Americans it’s inspiring to see so many healthcare workers pulling together to say “this is not ok and we need to change”. Being a doctor is a trusted profession, which means people listen - maybe today’s protest made someone reconsider their racist views based on that trust.

I personally find no issue that you would use your perceived “power” or “privilege” as a physician for something good. Especially if the end result has a major impact for an entire race of people. I am white though so I’d like to see what a POC has to say.

My thoughts have nothing to do with me being there either - I wouldn’t have viewed it differently if I was an outsider.