Confronting Bias in Medicine: Dr. Matthew Rivera’s Story of Resilience
Watch Video
For Dr. Matthew Rivera, prejudice has been more than an abstract concept. It has walked into his exam room. One patient refused to see him solely because of his last name. Others have made racist remarks about immigrants, unaware of Dr. Rivera’s family history. In Resilience in Practice, MSSNY shares Dr. Rivera’s journey of meeting these moments with composure, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to care.
Rather than allowing bias to define the interaction, Dr. Rivera focuses on his patients’ needs, proving that empathy and excellence can rise above ignorance. His experiences underscore the reality that discrimination still touches the lives of physicians and that representation matters.
MSSNY’s Minority Affairs Section exists to support and empower physicians facing these challenges, creating space for shared stories and collective action. Dr. Rivera’s example inspires his colleagues to stand for equity, foster trust, and advance a healthcare system that values skill and humanity.
