Statement from the NMA on the Death of Dr. Susan Moore

Silver Spring, MD – Together with physicians and communities of color, the National Medical Association (NMA) mourns the tragic death of Primary Care Physician Dr. Susan Moore. While we recognize that COVID-19 has disproportionately ravaged communities and people of color, her death is a sobering reminder of the inequities that exist in our healthcare system, and the constructs that have allowed these disparities to exist. We were all disturbed by her poignant video that depicted a physician pleading for her own care and appropriate treatment. We will not allow her cries to go unanswered. For Dr. Moore and our communities, long subjected to unequal care, they must not go unanswered.

The National Medical Association commends the formation of an external review panel that is being convened by Indiana University Health President and CEO Dennis Murphy. We hope that the external review panel will conduct a thoughtful and thorough review of Dr. Moore’s treatment by the health care team. Additionally, we sincerely hope that the external review panel will also examine the implicit biases in the manner, tone and treatment of Dr. Moore that may have contributed to her death. Only the complete transparency in the findings of both internal and external review processes will allow us to understand what may have transpired, and provide critical insight into the structural changes necessary (such as an intense focus on cultural competency training of health care providers) to eradicate the health care disparities and inequities that exist in the health care system. The NMA, with long-standing experience and expertise in cultural competency matters, stands ready to assist and provide expert advice and counsel to Indiana University Health, as a member of the external review panel. The NMA, as the collective voice of African American physicians will not rest until parity and justice in medicine and the elimination of health disparities is achieved. We remain committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive healthcare environment for patients and physicians.

The National Medical Association (NMA) is the largest and oldest national organization representing African American physicians and their patients in the United States. The NMA is a 501(c) (3) national professional and scientific organization representing the interests of more than 50,000 African American physicians and the patients they serve. NMA is committed to improving the quality of health among minorities and disadvantaged people through its membership, professional development, community health education, advocacy, research and partnerships with federal and private agencies.