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Flight Attendant to Black Female Doctor: “We’re Seeking Real Physicians”
By: Jamie Rivers
Updated: Dec. 1, 2016
Originally Published: Oct. 14, 2016
Picture this: you’re on a flight, and suddenly, a medical emergency arises. You’d hope a doctor or nurse is onboard, someone who could potentially save a life. But what if that qualified individual was denied the opportunity to help? That’s exactly what transpired on a recent Delta flight from Detroit to Minneapolis.
Meet Dr. Lisa Bennett
Dr. Lisa Bennett, a dedicated OB/GYN resident from Houston, was comfortably settled on the plane when a woman two rows ahead began crying out for assistance because her husband was unresponsive. Dr. Bennett instinctively went into “doctor mode,” ready to assist, when a flight attendant intervened.
After unbuckling her seatbelt and preparing to help, a flight attendant urged everyone to remain calm, claiming it was simply a “night terror.” Dr. Bennett, with her years of medical training, decided to keep an eye on the situation anyway.
Moments later, the emergency escalated, and the man was unresponsive once more. The flight attendant called for any physicians in the cabin. Dr. Bennett raised her hand, only to be met with disbelief. “Oh no, sweetie, put your hand down. We’re looking for actual physicians or nurses,” the flight attendant told her, dismissing her without a second thought.
Determined, Dr. Bennett pressed the overhead button when the flight attendant again announced for doctors to identify themselves. The attendant turned to Dr. Bennett, now surprised. “Oh wow, you’re an actual physician?” she said. “Let me see your credentials. What type of doctor are you? Where do you work? Why were you in Detroit?”
Really? At that moment, Dr. Bennett was trying to save a life, not engage in a Q&A session. “Please remember that this man still needs help,” she replied, frustrated.
At that point, another doctor—a white male—approached and identified himself. The flight attendant suddenly shifted her focus, telling Dr. Bennett, “He has his credentials.” Which was, of course, untrue; he hadn’t shown anything at all!
Fortunately, the patient began responding to questions and seemed to improve. Dr. Bennett recounted, “Then this lady had the nerve to ask for my advice on what to do next about ten minutes later.” Seriously? Now you want my help? Yet, putting her feelings aside, Dr. Bennett guided the flight attendant through the necessary steps of monitoring the patient.
The flight attendant later apologized multiple times and even offered Dr. Bennett SkyMiles, which she promptly declined. “I don’t want SkyMiles for blatant discrimination,” she stated firmly. “Whether it was race, age, or gender discrimination, this isn’t right. She will not get away with this…and I will get my SkyMiles!”
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In summary, Dr. Bennett’s experience underscores the importance of being recognized for one’s qualifications, regardless of race or gender. Discrimination has no place in critical situations, especially when lives are at stake.