The Effect of September 11, 2001 on
American Muslim Physicians and Muslim Patients
By Shahid Athar, MD, FACP, FACE
September11,2001 will always be remembered as a turning pint in history when a nation was attached and a faith was hijacked and close to 3000 unprovoked civilians were killed in a matter of few hours. On that day if an earthquake had hit New York and Washington DC and same number of people had died ,indeed it would have been a great tragedy but not as great as what actually happened on that day. The tragedy of September 11, 2001 affected all Americans, including 30,000 American Muslim Physicians. They being the unspoken ambassadors of Islam rose to meet the challenge of removing the misconceptions about their faith while continuing to give patient care in the best possible way.
In this paper, the effects on American Muslim physicians and their patients are discussed. Most Muslim physicians felt that they were treated with support from their colleagues, patients and co-workers. They acknowledge receiving no back lash or discrimination.
I immediately issued a statement within 2 hours after the tragedy, condemning terrorism and offered condolence to the families of those who died or were injured. I directed Muslim physicians to join in the relief work in the affected area, including New York and Washington D.C. and immediately sent a donation of $5,000 for disaster relief work. The press release by IMANA on September 11th, read: " I condemn the viscous and cowardly act of terrorism against innocent civilians. I join all Americans in calling for the swift apprehension and punishment of the perpetrators. No political cause can ever be justified by such immoral acts.
I pray for the innocent lives lost and those who were injured." I urged the Muslim physicians of New York and Washington D.C to offer emergency medical relief for the injured and psychological support for their relatives. I also urged the American people and the media to have restraint against unnecessary discrimination, stereotyping and prejudice against Islam and Muslims. I received many phone calls and letters of support which are mentioned in my book "Healing the wounds of September 11th, 2001" in the chapter "The Light at the end of the Tunnel".
Six months later, I sent questions to about 500 physicians about their perception of the effect of September 11th on their practice as well as on their patients. About 100 physicians responded.
The first question asked about their location. Fifty-five were from the Northeast, 30 were from the Mid-West, 10 from the South and 5 from the West Coast.
The next question was related to their practice type. Sixty of them were in private practice, 30 University based and 10 in training.
The 3rd question was "What was the reaction of your office staff to the events of 9/11, on that day or afterward?" The responses were "they were horrified, in shock, supportive, concerned for my well-being and wanted to know more about Islam".
The next question was "What was the reaction of your colleagues toward you and was there any back lash?" They all said no back lash and they all said they were all supportive and some offered help and prayer.
Question #5 was: "What was the reaction of your hospital administration toward you?" and the response was no discrimination or any unusual treatment was noted.
Question #6 was: "What was the reaction of your patients toward you and your office staff?" and the response was" they were supportive, protective, sympathetic, felt sorry for the reported harassment of Muslims.
Question #7 was "Did you change the manner of your practice after September 11th, 2001?" and all said there was no change noted in the pattern of their practice.
Question #8 was "Did you know if some Muslim patients were treaded differently by their non-Muslim physicians?" and the response was" no different treatment was noted or reported".
Question #9: "Did you know of any Muslim patients who saw only Muslim physicians after September 11th?" and all said "no we do not know of any change in the practice pattern, seeking only Muslim physicians."
Question #10: "Were you asked to explain your faith to your patients, colleagues, neighbors, schools or church groups?" All said "yes, in one capacity or another and many times".
I know that many physicians spoke on Islam or wrote about Islam. I too was invited to make presentations to many organizations, church groups, schools and hospitals, a total of about 70 presentations in the following 24 months. In the comment section of the survey, we asked physicians what kind of questions their patients had about September 11th and they said that " some patients wanted to know why the USA was targeted, some patients wanted to know the beliefs of the terrorists and some wanted to know why they hate America". I received a letter from the President of the ACP, Dr. Sara E. Walker, which read. "The ACP/ASIM believes that there should be no discrimination against any physician based on religion or country of origin. We have a continuing interest in communicating with you about ways to achieve these goals.
I wish your association the very best and I hope we can continue dialogue on ways to prevent discrimination in the profession of medicine."
During the same time, a conference was held in San Francisco by the AMA. Dr. Afzal Arain, a life member , represented the organization. AMA passed a resolution against discrimination against physicians. The resolution said "AMA declares its opposition to discrimination against patients, physicians and other healthcare providers on the basis of religion, culture, nationality or country of origin of medical education or healthcare training. The AMA publicizes this position that a nation's response to terrorism must not involve discrimination or acts of violence against any person on the basis of religion, culture or country of medical education or training."
Thus, in conclusion even though there were some cases reported of sporadic discrimination against certain medical students or physicians in training, this was not the rule and both Muslim physicians as well as Muslim patients, did not suffer en mass from any back lash from non-Muslim physicians or patients or the public in general because of the September 11th tragedy .In fact as the survey showed all Muslim physicians received sympathy and support from their patients , colleagues, and co-workers . I am particularly indebted to the words of support I received also from prominent American politicians as well.
Dr. Shahid Athar is a member of APPNA.. He is the author of 7 books including his latest book "Healing the Wounds of Sept.11, 2001" (www.1stbookslibrary.com ).
He can be reached via his email sathar3624@aol.com. His web page is www.islam-usa.com.
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