As an African American physician, I have empathy for Dr. Murray, but if I had the opportunity I would ask him if he forgot what all medical students learn in the first year of medical school and that is, “first, do no harm.”
Doctors and other health professionals must keep this phrase in mind at all times even if iconic figures make requests that you know are not in their best interest and go against the basic privilege of the medical profession. Remember your Physician’s duty is to help, not harm, you.
I am Dr. Thaddeus John Bell, and, as always, my ultimate goal is to close the gap in health disparities for African Americans, as well as for the underserved.
First, Do No Harm: A Doctor’s Lesson From Michael Jackson’s Death was originally published on blackdoctor.org
