Dear Michigan Med Students, There will be many people (likely even including some of your faculty) who will try to label you as disrespectful and unprofessional. They will tell you to sit and listen to the opinions of others who disagree with you. They will tell you to sit and listen because the speaker is not talking about abortion in that particular speech. They will tell you to sit and listen because this is a respected medical leader at your university. They will tell you to sit and listen because the speaker was chosen by your peers. They will tell you to sit and listen because maybe you could learn something from her. They will always tell you to just sit and listen. But when it comes to our right to accessible healthcare, I’m glad you have already learned that you don’t have to just sit and listen to someone who is vocally against that access. You will come across a diverse set of beliefs in your faculty and your mentors. They are entitled to their beliefs. But our jobs as physicians is to provide non-judgmental care and counseling to our patients no matter what personal beliefs or religious views we have. We must help them navigate the right decision for THEM, not us. When someone has actively advocated against this principle, you don’t have to sit and listen. But you already know that, and I hope you continue to stand up for healthcare for all our patients. Thank you for exercising a peaceful yet powerful protest. Sincerely, Raging Gynecologist This is a response to the Michigan Med student walkout protest during the keynote address at their white coat ceremony. The keynote speaker, who was chosen by the student Gold Humanism Society, has made a very public anti-abortion stance. What are your thoughts on the choice of speaker? The choice of protest? [pic is a screenshot from Brendan Scorpio’s video posted on twitter. Thank you, Brendan, for sharing]