The Society of Breast Imaging (SBI), the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR), and the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) have joined the list of radiology and radiation oncology societies issuing statements on racial injustice.
The SBI posted a statement to the organization's Twitter and Facebook accounts on June 2 stating, "The SBI stands in solidarity with our colleagues, patients, and friends, and will continue to advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all." The post also noted the SBI is committed to examining and taking action to mitigate structural inequalities that affect patient care.
SBI is deeply saddened and disturbed by the recent death of George Floyd and the continued manifestation of systemic racism that plagues our country. See our full statement below: @Dr_TejasMehta @DrJackson_RAD @jesse_conyers @RifatWahab @DrAliceChong pic.twitter.com/9KiGI9AbTR
— Soc Breast Imaging (@BreastImaging) June 2, 2020
The Society of Interventional Radiology issued a "statement of commitment in support of diversity" on June 3. In the statement, the society denounced hatred based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity and spoke up in support of eliminating health disparities that impact patients of color, including black patients.
"We call upon our membership and affiliates to take this time to remember the families and communities of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and many others who have been subject to unconscionable acts of discrimination and hate," the society wrote. "We ask that everyone look into their hearts to understand the overdue need for change in the nation."
On June 5, the American Society of Emergency Radiology released a statement on its website and social media channels, noting that it "stands in support of the Black community and the peaceful protests against all forms of racism, police brutality, and social injustice that are occurring in the United States and around the world."
— Emergency Radiology (@ASER_ERad) June 5, 2020
The new statements bring the total to 10 medical imaging and radiology oncology societies who have published comments after protests erupted around the world following the May 25 death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis. Other societies to issue statements include RSNA, the American College of Radiology (ACR), and the American Association of Women Radiologists.
