Dr. Christopher Williams, a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, recently sat down with lifelong friend and Mathematica CEO Paul Decker to record a podcast about their personal experiences with race. Dr. Williams, who is chief of ophthalmology at Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Delaware County, PA, and the founder of health care technology company OnPacePlus, and Mr. Decker, shared how their experiences growing up together in rural Illinois, though side by side, were very different (Dr. Williams is Black and Mr. Decker is white). To listen to the podcast, visit Mathematica's website.
The American Board of Ophthalmology is committed to promoting safety, equity, and inclusion in ophthalmology. The full text of the ABO's statement is below:
For centuries, systemic and institutional racism in the United States has harmed and killed countless individuals, with a sadly disproportionate and more devastating extent in the black community. All physicians implicitly subscribe to the maxim primum non nocere: first, do no harm. Standing against racism is necessary but not sufficient; physicians must lead by example by standing for safety, equality, opportunity, and freedom for all persons. To more effectively serve the public and the ophthalmologists who care for patients and their families at this pivotal moment in our nation’s history, the American Board of Ophthalmology pledges to listen to and learn from our African American diplomates and remains steadfast in its commitment to educate all of its stakeholders on this critical matter. For more information, please click here.