Or, Is There A Doctor On The Plane? Take Two…
This was just the second time in over 20 years of traveling together. We were on a plane when we heard the announcement, “Is there a doctor on the plane?”
The first time we heard a flight crew ask this question, what they really meant was, “Is there a white doctor on the plane?”When my spouse, who is a black doctor, kindly offered his help, he was categorically turned away.
The details of this encounter were strikingly familiar — for a moment, it felt like we were right back in that day.
It was a few hours into a long international flight, heading to the same destination as before. The crew were all white, just like last time. My partner, kids, and I were exhausted and had just settled in to get some rest. A white woman had fallen ill, and with many hours left before our scheduled arrival, the crew were understandably concerned.
At first, my partner didn’t quite catch what had been announced over the speaker. Once it registered, we exchanged glances, both wondering whether it was worth it for him to get up. He decided it was and walked over to the flight attendant.
When he introduced himself as a medical doctor, the flight attendant responded, “That is perfect.” She motioned for him to follow her.
Here’s to hoping this is the kind of story we tell from now on. Stay tuned…
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