A black doctor educated at Harvard claimed that employees on a flight with Delta correspondence had presented his racial profile. She questioned her medical credentials while she was trying to help another distressed passenger.
Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, physician, scientist, educator and policy officer for obesity at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, told Boston 25 News that she was traveling to Indianapolis in Boston on October 23 when a woman began to convulse and hyperventilate.
Stanford said that she was working to calm the woman while she was assessing her condition. An air hostess approached and asked Stanford if she was a doctor. Stanford, in turn, produced his medical license.
"She looked at him and headed towards the back of the plane. Then the second flight attendant approached me and asked, "Well, can I review your license?" And I said, "Absolutely," Stanford reminded Boston 25 News.
Stanford continued to try to calm the woman, who later told the doctor that she had a panic attack, reported the Boston Globe.
In the middle of this, Stanford said the first flight attendant came back and questioned her ability to help. "You're not really a doctor," the attendant would have said. "You are just a chief doctor."
"I said," Excuse me, what do you mean by that? " [She replied,] "Oh, so you're not really a doctor, is not it?" Said Stanford at 25 News Boston.
Sending to the Boston Globe, Stanford said that she thought the suspicions of her assistants about her references were "100% biased" by racism.
A spokesman for Delta Air Lines, contacted Thursday by HuffPost, apologized to the airline for explaining what had happened and said Delta did not require a passenger to produce medical degrees for help another passenger when needed.
However, said spokesman Anthony Black, the aircraft in question was operated by another carrier, Republic Airline. Although it works in partnership with Delta, it has its own operating and training procedures.
Republic spokesman Jon Austin told HuffPost that the airline will make improvements so that its employees are better informed about medical identification policies.
"We thank Dr. Stanford for his medical assistance on our flight 5935 and we apologize for any misunderstandings that occurred during his exchange with our flight crew," Austin said in a statement. "In the future, we work with Delta to ensure that our employees understand and consistently apply all applicable policies. The care of the passenger by Dr. Stanford remained uninterrupted for the duration of the medical problem. "
In a statement to HuffPost, Delta echoed this gratitude to Stanford, adding, "We are following up with our connection provider partner to make sure their employees understand and apply the policy consistently."
Delta changed its policy on medical degrees in 2016 after another black female doctor, Tamika Cross, accused Delta employees of ignoring her proposal to help a sick passenger in favor of a white doctor, also in the plane. In this case, the female doctor did not have medical degrees, unlike the male doctor, the airline said.
Ironically, Stanford told Boston (25) that she had recently attended a panel on medical biases and told Cross about her experience, which inspired Stanford to still have a driver's license. with her.
Stanford shared his story on Twitter, prompting other doctors to come up with their own experiences. She said she had been in touch with Delta staff but said their conversation left her "very uncertain about the changes being made".
According to Stanford's tweet, the flight attendants thought she was just a therapist, even after seeing her medical license.
RELATED: Here are the 20 best airlines in the world:
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20 best airlines in the world
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20. Hong Kong Airlines
Previous rank: 24
Why is it great: Hong Kong Airlines has seen impressive growth in the last two years. Not only has the global network been rapidly developed, but the carrier has also been working to improve service and products. Hong Kong Airlines is a subsidiary of Chinese group HNA.
View additional airline information at Skytrax.
(Photo by Andrew Chin / Getty Images)
19. KLM
Previous rank: 22
Why is it greatRoyal Dutch KLM is considered the oldest operating airline in the world. Based at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, KLM is famous for its brightly colored, bright blue and Dutch figurines. The airline represents half of the Franco-Dutch conglomerate Air France-KLM.
KLM also won the prize for the best business class seat in Europe.
View additional airline information at Skytrax.
(REUTERS / Regis Duvignau)
18. Turkish Airlines
Previous rank: 12
Why is it greatTurkish Airlines is the national airline of Turkey and its main hub is located at Ataturk Airport of Istanbul. The airline, with its ability to serve more than 100 countries and more than 200 cities around the world, hopes to make its national base a global transit hub.
Although the political turmoil and security issues have complicated the life of Turkish Airlines, the high quality service offered by the carrier and the product offering remain unchanged.
Turkish is a Star Alliance member and has won the Skytrax Award for Best Airline in Europe six years in a row before losing the title to Lufthansa last year.
View additional airline information at Skytrax.
(Photo by Vladimir Shtanko / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images)
17. Air New Zealand
Previous rank: 19
Why is it great: In 2018, Air New Zealand has recovered the best economy class in the world and the best economic seat in the world of its Australian rival Qantas, the Kiwi carrier remains one of the best long-haul carriers in the sector.
In economy class, families can opt for the innovative Skycouch airline, which transforms a three-seat bank into a neutral business zone.
View additional airline information at Skytrax.
(Stephen Brashear / Getty Images)
16. Austrian Airlines
Previous rank: 17
Why is it great: Austrian Airlines overcame a series of labor disputes in recent years, with a high and intact level of service. In 2018, Lufthansa's carrier once again won the award for the best air service for air personnel in Europe. The Austrian airline has a fleet of Boeing 767-300ER long-haul recently renovated and 777-200 jets out of its base in Vienna.
Members of the airlines that saved money were very well rewarded for their efficient and effective services, as well as for the wealth of their dining and entertainment options on board.
View additional airline information at Skytrax.
(REUTERS / Heinz-Peter Bader)
15. Etihad Airways
Previous rank: 8
Why is it great: Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, is the United Arab Emirates airline. Its Airbus and Boeing fleets serve a hundred destinations. The airline has become famous for its flats flying Residence, as well as for its sumptuous first class and business class suites.
View additional airline information at Skytrax.
(Natalie Naccache / Bloomberg via Getty Images)
14. China Southern Airways
Previous rank: 23
Why is it great: Even though Air China and China Eastern could attract more attention, China Southern is actually the biggest airline in the middle kingdom.
The Guangzhou-based airline also won Best Airline, Best First Class in China and Best First Class Show in China.
View additional airline information at Skytrax.
13. Japan Airlines
Previous rank: 16
Why is it great: The Japanese airline is one of the most respected airlines in the world. Skytrax's critics praised Japan's second-largest airline for its attentive service, well-coordinated ground staff and comfortable cabin.
For 2018, Japan Airlines once again won the award for best air seat in economy class.
View additional airline information at Skytrax.
(Photo credit should say TORU YAMANAKA / AFP / Getty Images)
12. Swiss International Air Lines
Previous rank: 14
Why is it great: Swiss International Air Lines was born in 2002 from the remains of the current Swissair and is now part of the Lufthansa family. In 2016, the Basel-based carrier became the first in the world to operate the next-generation Bombardier C-Series airliner.
Although some passengers found the economy seating comfort insufficient, most congratulated the cabin crew for its friendly service and the airline for its wide assortment of free adult drinks.
Plus, free Swiss chocolate is always a fan favorite.
View additional airline information at Skytrax.
(REUTERS / Arnd Wiegmann)
11. Qantas
Previous rank: 15
Why is it greatDespite strong competition from Virgin Australia, Qantas has experienced a resurgence over the last two years. The airline has been praised for its excellent customer service and in-flight entertainment. And then there is the Qantas Calling Card – it has a deadly safety record in the era of jet aircraft.
View additional airline information at Skytrax.
(Photo by James D. Morgan / Getty Images)
10. Thai Airways
Previous rank: 11
Why is it great: Thai Airways has long been an industry leader in service quality. It is therefore not surprising to find the Thai national carrier at the top of the list. Although its most advertised products are its professional and first class services, the airmen found that its economic seats were also of high quality.
Skytrax's economy class pilots also emphasized the crew's friendly behavior and delectable dining options.
In 2018, Thai Airways again won the world's best economy class award, the world's best catering service, and the airline's best spa facilities.
View additional airline information at Skytrax.
(Photo by C.V. Grinsven / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images)
9. Garuda Indonesia
Previous rank: ten
Why is it greatGaruda Indonesia has seen a dramatic turnaround in recent years. The Indonesian national company has taken important measures of fleet renewal and service improvement in order to regain the confidence of passengers and security authorities.
Economy travelers were delighted by the comfortable seating and choice of Southeast Asian cuisine.
In 2018, Garuda's flight attendants won the world's best cabin crew award for the third year in a row.
View additional airline information at Skytrax.
(Dimas Ardian / Bloomberg via Getty Images)
8. Hainan Airlines
Previous rank: 9
Why is it greatFounded in 1993, Hainan is the only Chinese airline to hold the coveted Skytrax five-star rating. In the space of four years, the airline has gone from the 22nd to the 10th place. With a brand new fleet of more than 160 Boeing and Airbus aircraft, Hainan is expanding rapidly in Asia, Europe and Australia.
Skytrax's critics praised the airline for its attentive service and quality business class accommodations.
Hainan also won the best airline award in China and the best cabin crew in China.
View additional airline information at Skytrax.
(REUTERS / Stringer)
7. Lufthansa
Previous rank: 7
Why is it great: Europe's largest airline has climbed into the top 10 in the last two years. Customers congratulated Lufthansa for its outstanding service and the overall quality of its products.
Most of Lufthansa's long-haul flights are good, but to get the best results, it would be wise to aim for the new Superbumbos A380s and 748-8 Jumbo Intercontinental Jets in the fleet.
In addition to the top 10, the German airline has also won the award for the best airline in Europe and the best business class in Europe.
View additional airline information at Skytrax.
(REUTERS / Kai Pfaffenbach)
6. Cathay Pacific Airways
Previous rank: 5
Why is it greatAlthough Cathay Pacific, based in Hong Kong, has lost one place compared to last year, the airline still retains its place among the most respected carriers in the Pacific region. With a fleet of Boeing 777-300ER long haul aircraft and a commercial strategy focused on high-frequency flight offerings, Cathay is one of the best flying experiences in Asia.
Skytrax's reviewers gave the company high marks in terms of seat comfort, service quality and in-flight entertainment.
View additional airline information at Skytrax.
(Justin Chin / Bloomberg via Getty Images)
5. EVA Air
Previous rank: 6
Why is it great: The Taiwanese EVA Air (pronounced ee-vee-ay) was founded in 1989 and is an offshoot of global container shipping giant Evergreen. The Taipei-based carrier has experienced phenomenal growth over the past two decades and now operates a large fleet of Airbus and Boeing jets. The airline is behind the pioneers of the premium economy cabin.
View additional airline information at Skytrax.
(Photo by Fabrizio Gandolfo / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images)
4. Emirates
Previous rank: 4
Why is it great: Over the past 30 years, the Emirates of Dubai have become one of the largest long-haul carriers in the world. Operating almost exclusively through its nerve center located at Dubai International Airport, the carrier has the world's largest fleet of Airbus A380 super-jumbos and Boeing 777 wide-body aircraft.
Emirates' state-of-the-art entertainment system includes a wide selection of music and video-on-demand options, and even allows live television and sports events on its' ice 'equipped aircraft. In fact, Emirates has won Skytrax's Best Flight Entertainment award for the 14th consecutive year.
View additional airline information at Skytrax.
(Natalie Naccache / Bloomberg via Getty Images)
3. All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Previous rank: 3
Why is it great: All Nippon Airways continues to move up the rankings. ANA is the largest international carrier in Japan and one of the largest Boeing 787 Dreamliners fleets in the world. ANA praised Skytrax's criticism of cleanliness, service and safety. Many of its planes have sliding-type reclining seats that increase privacy, as well as power outlets and USB, even in economic conditions.
ANA also won the award for Best Air Staff in Asia and Best Cabin Crew in Japan.
View additional airline information at Skytrax.
(Photo by Fabrizio Gandolfo / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images)
2. Qatar Airways
Previous rank: 1
Why is it great: Qatar Airways moves back from one place to the second.
The Doha-based airline has been praised by critics for its comfortable seating and in-flight entertainment. In fact, the company offers the second best in-flight entertainment system and the world's best economy class. The airline connects more than 150 destinations around the world and extends its fleet to the latest generation of long-haul airliners, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350.
Qatar has also won the Best Middle East Airline Award, Best Business Class in the World and Best First Class Lounge.
View additional airline information at Skytrax.
(Photo of Marina Lystseva TASS via Getty Images)
1. Singapore Airlines
Previous rank: 2
Why is it great: Singapore's exceptional service is a very enjoyable course in which flight attendants are trained to treat customers with extreme care and respect. Personal TVs offering plenty of entertainment options and warm towels served before takeoff are just some of the benefits of the economy.
The company's base at Changi International Airport is one of the finest facilities in the world and has been designated by Skytrax as the best airport in the world five years in a row.
The airline has also won the best airline award in Asia, the best world class and the best airline in the world.
View additional airline information at Skytrax.
(Nicky Loh / Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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