ARE YOU FACING DISCRIMINATION? Here is a story of discrimination against a Black American Woman ObGyn Resident, an AAPLOG member, who is currently an Assistant Professor in a large secular University program. Be encouraged. I was a resident in a top 10 OB/GYN residency program. As an intern, I was asked to hold the U/S for one first trimester abortion and after that told them that I would not attend or perform abortions or go to abortion lectures. The harassment was brutal. I was discriminated against in assignments to surgical cases, in a deliberate attempt to restrict my surgical experience and ostracized by my fellow residents. Attendings gave me the cold shoulder. I was threatened by the chair but told him that he could fire me, but that I would not perform abortions or stop praying with patients. The advice I received about being stronger academically is very good. I got extra surgical experience by moonlighting. An attending at a Catholic hospital took me under his wing as well. Ironically, in my chief year, four junior residents stood up to the department and said that they also would not perform abortions. All power is in Jesus’ hands, and He will not abandon you. I ALWAYS found that it was better to be bold and stand for truth rather than being silent and/or hiding, (it would be nice to say that I always did the right thing, but I didn’t.). God honors holy boldness but only forgives cowardice (Prov. 25:26, Matt. 5:13). He won’t honor obnoxious behavior that disgraces His name. Another key is to have a group of people praying for you. In that hospital, people in Radiology, Environmental Services, the OR and elsewhere were praying and supporting me. In the end, the fire I went through made me a stronger Christian. Remember that God is on your side, and if you have to suffer for Him, it is well. Also remember that few chairs will openly try to fire you or damage your career, since they are afraid of legal challenges (important to remember, and to tell them, if need be).
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