we still have love and compassion for everyone because we know
what it feels like to be hated and discriminated against.
I wear a surgical mask every day to do my job. What my colleagues
don't see is the invisible mask I wear as a black woman in a predomi-
nantly white workplace to protect myself and make others comfort-
able with my presence. When do I get to remove that mask?
I've considered leaving this environment numerous times, but I keep
showing up because patient care is my calling. Now I realize my pur-
pose is to be a person of change. I want to work toward a more inclu-
sive environment in the OR and create awareness about systemic
racism in our field.
Bring the conversation of racism to the table even if it might be an
uncomfortable conversation to have. Get comfortable with being
uncomfortable because awareness is the first step of change. Be will-
ing to discuss and deal with issues of race when they arise instead of
dismissing them. Moving forward in the right direction is something in
which we all have to be invested.
Ari Collins, SA-C/CST
Certified Surgical Assistant
Denver, Colo.
J U L Y 2 0 2 0 • O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y . N E T • 2 9
Keep Positive Conversations Going
G
eorge Floyd's murder feels different. Everyone can imagine
the horror of being unable to breathe for eight minutes and
felt their heart ache as he desperately cried out for his moth-
er. There's been a lot of anger, frustration and activism among people
of all races and backgrounds over the past few months. It's an oppor-
tune time for people to express how they feel about discrimination,
knowing their opinions and beliefs will be considered in a different
way.
