LVHN says it will investigate ex-medical resident's allegations of racism

SALISBURY TWP., Pa. — Lehigh Valley Health Network says it will investigate allegations of racism made by a former resident who posted an extensive blog on the issue, LVHN announced via a social media statement Monday.

According to emergency medicine resident graduate Robert Ray Jr., who is Black, his experience in the program was catastrophically affected by racism.

A June 15 blog he posted online gained considerable attention there and across social media.

“My last year of residency was destroyed by hatred and prejudice in an attempt to silence me,” Ray said in the blog post, adding he had accepted the potential for racist actions, though he never expected it to come from his colleagues.

• In a June 15 blog post, LVHN emergency medicine resident graduate Robert Ray alleged he was subject to racist treatment from colleagues and higher-ups
• Ray alleged LVHN officials targeted him due to his Black Lives Matter clothing and accessories
• LVHN has responded with a social media post saying it condemns racism and is investigating the allegations

LVHN responded to the accusation Monday with a social media post issued on Twitter.

“We condemn all forms of racism and strive to maintain a culture of respect, inclusion and equality. We take allegations of discrimination very seriously and investigate them when brought to our attention,” the post reads.

“We are deeply saddened that a member of our graduate medical education community has alleged that he had an experience that is counter to our core values and commitment to promoting and fostering an equitable and inclusive work environment. We do not tolerate any behavior that is exclusionary or racist and work to ensure that all of our colleagues feel valued as part of the LVHN community.”

“Respect and inclusion are fundamental to our mission. As we continue our internal investigation, we will also be conducting an independent, third-party investigation to evaluate all details surrounding this matter.”

Network spokeswoman Brian Downs Jr. did not immediately respond to a request for comment besides the written statement.

Accusations of selective targeting for dress code

Ray's story begins with reports of fellow workers using racists terms and expressing disdain for the protests against George Floyd’s murder. Ray stated he chose not to pursue any action at this time for fear of reprisal.

But in his second year of residency, Ray said, he was called to the program director’s office, where he received some startling news.

“It turns out one of the Physician Assistants (PAs) in the emergency department had reported me for wearing a bracelet that said “Black Lives Matter.” In her email she stated that she was “intimidated” and “threatened” by me and that I should not be allowed to wear my bracelet; it was clear that she wanted me to get in trouble even though she never spoke to me about it and always smiled to my face,” Ray wrote in the blog.

According to Ray, his superiors asked him to form a Diversity Equity and Inclusion committee for the residency following that report, and he noted the experience was at least somewhat better for a time.

In his fourth year, Ray alleged, a new program coordinator had instructed a co-chief resident to remove a photo of Ray from the residency’s Instagram account, as he was wearing a “Blue Lives Don’t Exist” shirt. He defended the apparel by noting “’Blue Lives Don’t Exist’ is not an anti-police statement, it simply is a reminder that being a police officer is a career in contrast to someone’s race.”

Ray went on to state he felt shut out from the program, with requests for independent study denied and communications from above essentially cut off.

“I continued to feel that my program administration was avoiding me, isolating me, and there was a background feeling of hostility,” he said in the blog post.

Human resources involvement

Later communications with the human resources department noted officials were discussing Ray wearing Black Lives Matter clothing and accessories – which were not prohibited by the dress code, Ray said.

At a mid-year evaluation, Ray alleged he was addressed on the Black Lives Matter clothing and accessories being against the dress code, which he contested. Officials submitted a complaint against Ray to the human resources department.

Ray said the meeting was essentially fruitless, as he informed superiors that even if his clothing violated the dress code, that dress code was not enforced across the board anyway.

Rumors allegedly began to spread, suggesting a newly-enforced dress code was due to Ray, and that he was at risk of being fired, he wrote.

Ray stated an encounter with the Designated Institutional Officer, the liaison between the hospital and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, also proved worthless, with the DIO admitting Ray had been subject to racism and discrimination, yet stating almost nothing would be done to address it.

Ray stated he began following the dress code, though others continued to violate it. When he opted to wear an item of clothing which violated the code, he was called out, noting other residents did not face the same scrutiny.

In another meeting with human resources, Ray stated he faced similar issues, defending himself and calling attention to the fact that the dress code was only being enforced upon him.

Throughout this time, Ray said ACGME provided no assistance to him, despite championing anti-racist rhetoric, and former supporters essentially turned on him or ceased their connections with him.

“I am not sharing this story because I want anyone to feel bad for me. The last thing I want is anyone’s pity. I am sharing this story to spark discussion and motivate change. I am interested in outcomes not thoughts and prayers. Apologize to me with your actions not your words,” he stated at the end of his story.

Ray finished the post with suggestions on reform, including better transparency and complaint processing through ACGME; and improved training for higher-ups and human resources at the hospital, addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and creating a stronger system with true accountability when complaints of racism or other matters are filed.

“Representation matters, it improves outcomes, it saves lives. Black lives matter, Black doctors do too,” the post concluded. I matter, now what are you gonna do?”