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WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 28: White House Coronavirus Task Force Coordinator Deborah Birx answers a question while meeting with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and U.S. President Donald Trump and in the Oval Office of the White House on April 28, 2020 in Washington, DC.

One of the promises of the Hippocratic Oath is “First Do no Harm.” By that measure, Dr. Birx should lose her medical license because she absolutely caused harm when she did nothing to challenge and swiftly correct Donald Trump’s “musing” that Lysol and other disinfectants could be ingested to cure the novel coronavirus. 

In the ensuing days she tried to “dance around” and spin his ludicrous suggestion by questioning why the media was still asking about the incident. Wow! Here is a thought: They are still asking because people are actually following the foolhardy advice, jamming up health center phone lines asking if these remedies are safe, and even ending up in emergency rooms from trying them for themselves. In Maryland over 100 people called to inquire about taking disinfectants, and at least 20 other states have reported a spike in calls. A nurse posted on Twitter that a patient came into the hospital having taken a bleach enema.  

We have a very diverse country — people from all walks of life with different levels of understanding and different mindsets about listening to and obeying authority. Some cultures defer to authority. Children may have been listening to this recommendation and might try something like this. Some, like the two men in Georgia, have a history of mental illness. 

We already know that the president has no leadership skills (e.g.  ability to manage a crisis; ability to empathize; value and respect diversity; integrity; inclusive leadership), but I am appalled that Dr. Birx said nothing. I am dismayed that she lacked the courage to honor her oath and commitment to protect, serve, and heal.    

I am appalled that Dr. Birx said nothing. I am dismayed that she lacked the courage to honor her oath and commitment to protect, serve, and heal. Share on X

A good leader wants to be told when they are wrong. They genuinely ask for input — they rely on the experts on their team and know when they are out of their area of expertise. It is one thing when Trump makes nonsensical but relatively harmless comments. It is another when what he says is not only wrong but can kill people.   

What are the possible reasons that Dr. Birx did not speak up? Fear of losing her job? Fear of the wrath of Donald Trump? Wanting to help him save face? None of these reasons are acceptable for a leader.   

We are in the throes of a pandemic that has already killed more people than the Vietnam war. This is no time to shirk your duties. We need strong leadership who will do the right thing.  

This is no time to shirk your duties. We need strong leadership who will do the right thing. Share on X

Some years ago, I came up with my own definition of leadership: The audacity to take an unpopular stand and unwaveringly take action, simply because it is the right thing to do. In this case, it was not even about taking a stand, it was simply about providing people with accurate information. It was about doing your job, Dr. Birx, and honoring the oath that you took as a doctor. Have we gone so low that something as sacred as the Hippocratic Oath has no meaning and there are no consequences for not following it?  

Some years ago, I came up with my own definition of leadership: The audacity to take an unpopular stand and unwaveringly take action, simply because it is the right thing to do. Share on X

This post is not about politics. The Pandemic is not about politics. This is about science. This is about the health and well-being of the people of the United States. We need strong leaders who are willing to speak up and speak out, and we need it now. Shame on you, Dr. Birx.