Dear John,

This weekend, PRH Fellow and family medicine physician Dr. April Lockley appeared on MSNBC sharing her experience participating in a COVID-19 vaccine trial.

As a Black woman and a physician advocate, Dr. Lockley decided it was important to participate in the trial because she believes in science. She also knows the reality of the racist history of medical research in the U.S. where Black and Brown people’s bodies have been experimented on, often without their consent.

WATCH: Dr. April Lockley on MSNBC

While we consider new medical advances like vaccines, we must also acknowledge that mistrust of the medical community is real and understandable. These coexisting truths should be taken into account, especially in the midst of a public health crisis unequally impacting communities of color.

We’re grateful to Dr. Lockley for bravely sharing her experience. PRH is honored to help prepare physician advocates like Dr. Lockley to amplify their voices to a national audience on issues impacting and intersecting with our health, from abortion access to COVID-19.

Thank you for listening and for supporting physician advocates.

Sincerely, 

Kelsey Brill (she/her/hers)
Assistant Director, Voice