In Episode 7, we continue our conversation with Dr. Diane Payne, an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine and the Director of Hand Trauma at Grady Memorial Hospital, as we discuss gun violence in Atlanta.
After completing her surgical training in Hawaii, where she treated one gun shot wound after a hunting accident, she began working at Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta’s only Level 1 Trauma Center. In 2013, Grady treated 538 gun shot wound victims.
“When I first started at Grady, I was astounded by the number of ballistic injuries we took care of on a daily basis. I couldn’t understand why all of these people were getting shot. I would say to my partners, “What is this?” The answer was always the same. “Welcome to Grady. That’s just how it is.” So I started questioning that. Why is this the way it is, and why are we accepting that? It almost feels like we’re numb to it… How can we keep people from falling into the water instead of pulling them out ever time?“
Listen in to hear how Dr. Payne started PIVOT, The Program to Interrupt Violence Through Outreach and Treatment at Grady Memorial Hospital, how the project has grown, and her vision for Atlanta’s future. Make sure and check out her feature on WABE, NPR’s local Atlanta radio station, as well.
Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)