Microaggressions

Microaggressions. You see them. We all do. But it is what you do after you see them that is what can make a difference in the world. Today I will tell you my story about microaggressions and how I changed the life of patient X.

Patient X was a regular patient in the dialysis clinic. When she would arrive at the hospital each morning, I would help her into a wheelchair and take her up to the dialysis clinic. One morning, however, moments after I dropped patient X off at the clinic and returned to the lobby, I noticed she had as well. Unsure of the situation, I gave patient X the space and privacy to move about the lobby on her own free will. Minutes later, staff from the dialysis clinic came rushing down yelling at patient X to return to the clinic for her treatment.

Patient X was a Hispanic woman who did not understand English. Patient X slowly brought out her phone and began to type into her translator. Disregarding the phone, the staff began screaming short, Spanish phrases at the woman trying to get her to go back upstairs. They even went as far as trying to push her wheelchair for her without her consent. She then stopped the wheels from moving with her own hands and continued to type on her phone, more frantically this time. The staff did not even look at the phone and persisted with the incorrect and aggressive Spanish phrases. At this point, I could watch no longer, and I stepped in. Although out of my job description, I knelt at patient X’s level and began to speak to her in Spanish. Furious at my interjection, the staff returned to the dialysis clinic without patient X.

That day, I brought patient X to her desired location, the emergency room, where she received care that was essential to the quality of her life. In positions of authority, unprofessional and intimidating behavior is never acceptable. All people deserve the respect of someone who will listen to them…truly listen. Please use this story as a lesson and take the time to truly listen to those around you-no matter the barriers.

Rebecca Katlyn Hicks; Marshall University School of Medicine