UGME, Dean Steele, and To Whom This May Concern:
I am writing on behalf of learners in the Classes of 2023, 2022, and 2021 to bring
attention to extremely disturbing and upsetting examples of a PGME student’s blatant
racism. Undergraduate learners are expressing their concern because of Dr. Zachary
Kuehner’s comments and posts on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
Such comments and posts are exceedingly concerning to Undergraduate learners as Dr.
Kuehner is a MUN Medicine resident - a title that usually emcompasses our professional
role models and teachers. As well, an individual who, by nature of their career, is
respected by society, and does not respect them back. Please see attached examples of
Dr. Kuehner’s comments as proof of such behaviours.
As Undergraduate learners, it is infuriating to be witness to Dr. Kuehner’s elitist and
white supremacist views as we are aware of MUN Medicine’s stance on learners
maintaining a professional and mindful presence on social media. Dr. Kuehner openly
identifies himself as an “islamophobe” on his personal Twitter. As well as “racist... and a
sexist... and likely an ableist too” through his Facebook comments. Apart from his
chosen titles, Dr. Kuehner virtually interacts with the public in a disrespectful, belittling,
and condescending manner. It is disheartening, discouraging, and concerning that an
individual of such character was accepted into a prestigious residency program here at
Memorial. As undergraduate learners having completed training regarding
professionalism and responsibility of online character, it is alarming to see such blatant
disregard for the nature and impact of such actions from a MUN Medicine resident
physician.
Undergraduate learners have expressed their deep and sincere concerns for the
wellbeing of Dr. Kuehner’s students, patients, colleagues, and community. Learners
have now observed Dr. Kuehner, a supposed respected example, taunt concerned
community members regarding his beliefs and his lack of fear of being reported with
Eastern Health and the Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Kuehner has publicly highlighted his
belief that he is untouchable and exempt from repercussions as they will just result in
“suggestion of sensitivity training”. It is therefore questionable even if Dr. Kuehner is
made to mandatorily attend such a session that it would have any impact on his
attitudes or behaviours. It is clear that he does not intend to change based on these
statements, and as such the first year undergraduate learner population is seeking for
serious consequences to be implemented.
As medical students and future healthcare professionals, we are making a call to action
for UGME and PGME to address such abhorrent behaviours. We feel it is unacceptablefor a resident
physician to act as freely and openly with such discriminatory behaviours.
We’re hopeful that MUN Medicine will act quickly and efficiently to address such a
serious concern. We would be grateful to be provided with a timeline for future events
regarding how this concern, and future concerns, will be addressed.
Thank you for considering our concerns. We look forward to your timely response and
action plan.
Best Regards,