The Urgent Need for Action on Gun Violence: A Surgeon’s Perspective

Two prominent pediatric trauma surgeons, Dr. Chethan Sathya and Dr. Jose M. Prince, are speaking out about the devastating impact of gun violence on children in America. In a recent op-ed, they shared their firsthand experiences of treating young victims of gunshot wounds and highlighted the urgent need for action to address this public health crisis.

Dr. Sathya and Dr. Prince described the emotional toll of treating children who have been shot, emphasizing the physical and psychological impact on both the victims and the healthcare workers involved in their care. They highlighted the staggering healthcare costs associated with treating gunshot injuries, as well as the strain on the healthcare system as a whole.

The surgeons also pointed out the disproportionate impact of gun violence on Black children and teens, with a higher risk of being shot and killed compared to their peers. They stressed the need for Americans to recognize gun violence as a preventable epidemic and to take action to address it.

Dr. Sathya and Dr. Prince praised U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy for declaring firearm violence a public health crisis, calling it a landmark report that provides a diagnosis and prescription for saving lives. They urged all Americans to listen to the evidence-based recommendations laid out in the report and to advocate for meaningful change.

As experts in pediatric trauma surgery and firearm injury prevention research, Dr. Sathya and Dr. Prince are dedicated to raising awareness about the devastating impact of gun violence on children and advocating for policies to prevent future tragedies. Their powerful op-ed serves as a call to action for all Americans to prioritize the health and safety of our nation’s youth.