Supporting Medical Students Enduring Racial Trauma
September 8, 2020
Meet Thomas
My name is Thomas Pak, an MD/PhD student and the chair of the Wellness and Student Life Action Committee. As students, it can be difficult to speak up, especially with our financial and time debt. However, I realized a need to advocate for us medical students. We’ve taken this noble and kind path to be physicians, but the medical education system is flawed. Through AMSA, I saw how we could bring change together, through resolutions and legislation advocacy. There is a greater need for medical students to come together in light of COVID-19 and racial injustice. So many people are hurting and scared. I worry about my mom who still has to work cutting stranger’s hair. I worry about her getting COVID-19, I worry about her being a victim of racism. For Asian Americans, hate crimes have increased, fueled by COVID-19 fear. The reality is worse for Black Americans. Through AMSA, I’ve been able to take greater action together with medical students.
Want to connect with Thomas and get involved with the WSL? Please do!
Know an AMSA member you think is worthy of a spotlight? We’d love to hear their story! You can catch the spotlight in the AMSA Rounds newsletter, which can always be found at amsa.org/whats-on.
