Dr. Michael A Derosa, MD

I am so sorry about the reported racist joke that a patient overheard and was understandably offended about. I have to conclude that even a person of great humanity and sensitivity could, on occasion, suffer a lapse of judgment. Dr. DeRosa, in my experience, is that humane and sensitive person. I am 80 years old and he has treated me for many years with care, kindness, and the greatest of excellence professionally. To the individual who was offended, I am not diminishing the hurtfulness of the experience, but I hope that you and others will give this good doctor another chance.

Beware! Wednesdays may be Black Joke Day at Carlin Vision. As I waited in the back area for my exam, I recognized Dr DeRosa, my ophthalmologist, exiting one of the rooms. He was talking to one of the young assistants as two others looked on. "Do you know why Black people are so tall?" he asked. "Because their KNEE-GROWS!" My face became hot with embarrassment as I shifted my body toward the party of 4, head tilted and squinting. They all scattered to different areas. The woman sitting across from me didn't look up from her cell phone. I am not so tall, but I suddenly feel so black. Black in the way racists interpret it. Not that it would have been less painful, but I wasn't in a bar or overhearing a conversation in Starbucks. I was in a professional establishment; a doctor's office! My insurance was billed and I was charged a copay for the privilege of being the butt of a bad joke! I was in shock while having my eye pressure checked. I couldn't decide which two images looked clearer,… "this one or that one?" I wanted information about eyelid surgery but knew I wouldn't trust Carlin vision to perform it. I don't remember my response when DeRosa asked me if I had any concerns but knew I had to address what I'd witnessed. Then, the doctor broached the subject first. He apologized for repeating an old "4th grade joke." He was sorry "IF I WAS OFFENDED???" Then he backtracked, asking if I had heard it. I told him I had. I told him I was indeed offended and wondered if Wednesday was Black Joke Day. He seemed embarrassed and asked if he could hold my hand- I said yes. He said he hoped I'd continue to be his patient- ummm, NO. All I kept thinking was that this bigotry was being perpetuated in a professional setting, possibly with others who shared the same tasteless and hurtful sense of humor. I wondered if all the technicians who worked with him thought he was a funny guy. I felt numb on my way out the door of Carlin Vision. The shock turned into a sting that has not subsided. I look at healthcare professionals differently now. I wonder if they all have a Black Joke Day.