Let's Join the Lane: The Role of Infectious Diseases Physicians in Preventing Gun Violence

Abstract

On November 7, 2018, the National Rifle Association (NRA) issued a tweet advising "self-important anti-gun doctors to stay in their lane." The tweet has galvanized physicians to share their experiences with gun violence through the grassroots #ThisISOurLane campaign. Infectious diseases physicians are regularly called upon to manage complications such as infected wounds and osteomyelitis in gunshot victims. Yet, Infectious Diseases as a specialty has been poorly represented in the national dialogue on gun violence. Over 80 medical societies have endorsed statements on gun violence, including the American College of Physicians (ACP) and the American College of Cardiology; the Infectious Diseases Society of America has not. We argue that gun violence does affect the Infectious Diseases community and issue a call to action to engage in the conversation, advocate for our patients, and join with other medical societies in affirming a commitment to gun violence prevention.