Latest news with #ChristinaPropst
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Doctor who lost job over ‘regrettable' Texas flood post says sorry
A pediatrician who is no longer working for a chain of clinics affiliated with a prominent Houston hospital system after a social media post that wished voters in a Donald Trump-supporting county of central Texas 'get what they voted for' amid flash flooding that killed nearly 120 – including many children – has publicly apologized. 'I speak to you as a mother, a neighbor, a pediatrician, and a human being who is deeply sorry,' Dr Christina Propst wrote after Blue Fish Pediatrics announced on Sunday she was no longer an employee there because of a social media post that the clinic said did 'not reflect the value, standards or mission' of the chain. 'I take full responsibility for a social media comment I made before we knew that so many precious lives were lost to the terrible tragedy in central Texas. 'I understand my comment caused immense pain to those suffering indescribable grief and for that I am truly sorry,' Propst added in a post first reported by the Texas news station KPRC. 'I would like to make clear that my regrettable comment was in no way a response to the tragic loss of human life … and … that is a fact that I deeply regret.' In the post that preceded the end of her time at Blue Fish Pediatrics, Propst alluded to how Kerr county, Texas, on 4 July had – like the state as a whole – voted in favor of Trump as he defeated former vice-president Kamala Harris in November's White House election. Trump's presidential administration has since sought to erase mentions of the ongoing climate crisis and its consequences, one of which is making rainfall like that which devastated Kerr more common. The president has also mused about 'phasing out' the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema), in part so that Trump's office could be in charge of distributing disaster relief funds and ultimately 'give out less money'. 'May all visitors, children, non-Maga voters and pets be safe and dry,' said the post, which invoked an acronym for Trump's 'Make America great again' slogan. 'Kerr county Maga voted to gut Fema. They deny climate change. May they get what they voted for.' Residents of Kerr county have since spoken about losing all of their possessions, including their homes, after the flood in question. They have also recounted seeking what have proven to be elusive answers about the level of preparedness from authorities tasked with protecting their communities. Soon, the post made its way to Blue Fish Pediatrics, listed as an independent partner of Houston's well-known Memorial Hermann hospital network. The clinic chain – which was tagged by social media users demanding that it act against Propst – said in a statement that the group was immediately placing the message's author on leave. A statement later said that the post's author was 'no longer an employed' at the chain while expressing 'full support to the families and the surrounding communities who are grieving, recovering and searching for hope'. Many US healthcare providers are required by their employers – as a condition of their employment – to avoid circulating opinions which could undermine trust in their profession among members of the public. 'We strongly condemn the comments that were made in that post,' Blue Fish Pediatrics' statement said. 'That post does not reflect the values, standards or mission of Blue Fish Pediatrics. We do not support or condone any statement that politicizes tragedy, diminishes human dignity, or fails to clearly uphold compassion for every child and family, regardless of background or beliefs.' The clinic chain's statement didn't say whether Propst had resigned or was dismissed. But on Wednesday, KPRC reported that Propst – in part – had since published another post saying she wanted to 'apologize to each and every individual suffering through terrible loss in this difficult time'. 'The comment was mine and mine alone,' Propst's post said, in part. 'Even in these divisive times, some things are and should remain sacred.' The timing of the post that cost Propst her employment caused offense, being published after communities along Texas's Guadalupe River were overwhelmed early on Friday by flash flooding triggered by torrential rain. The river rose 26ft (8 meters) in 45 minutes after 1.8tn gallons of rain fell over a region including Kerr county, Texas, about 90 miles (145km) north-west of San Antonio. As of Wednesday, officials reported that at least 119 people had died, including more than two dozen campers and counselors at the nondenominational Christian institution of Camp Mystic – with more than 160 in Kerr believed to be missing. That made up most of the more than 170 missing in all of Texas as of Wednesday. Kerr county residents who survived the flood have spoken about losing their homes and other possessions. According to a biography at Blue Fish's website which was recently taken offline, Propst is a native of New York who graduated from Princeton University in 1991. She graduated from New Orleans's Tulane medical school, received certifications from the American board as well as academy of pediatrics and spent 17 years in group practice in Houston before joining Blue Fish in 2018.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Texas doctor responds after controversial post about flood victims
A female pediatrician fired for suggesting MAGA supporters deserved to drown in the Texas floods has offered a weak excuse for her appalling slur. Dr Christina Propst sparked massive backlash over a now-deleted Facebook post where she appeared to blame Republican voters for the tragedy. 'May all visitors, children, non-MAGA voters and pets be safe and dry,' the post read. 'Kerr County MAGA voted to gut FEMA. They deny climate change. May they get what they voted for. Bless their hearts.' Propst's (pictured) post went viral last weekend after a screenshot of it was shared across multiple social media platforms, resulting in calls for her termination and to have her medical license revoked. The Houston-based doctor has now issued a public apology - but still had the nerve to temper it and play the victim. She now claims she didn't realize at the time how many had died and that her post was 'being shared with the false impression that I made it after the devastating loss of life was known'. 'I speak to you as a mother, a neighbor, a pediatrician, and a human being who is deeply sorry,' Propst wrote Wednesday in a statement published by KPRC . 'I understand my comment caused immense pain to those suffering indescribable grief and for that I am truly sorry.' She said she wanted to 'apologize to each and every individual suffering through terrible loss in this difficult time'. The catastrophic flash floods have killed at least 120 people, with over 170 who are still missing also presumed dead. Propst also urged the community not to direct 'responsibility or harassment' towards her former employer Blue Fish Pediatrics. 'They are kind, hard-working, dedicated pediatricians who had no role in this whatsoever,' she said of her ex-colleagues. 'Perhaps my biggest regret is that my words are now serving as a distraction from our shared responsibility to heal the pain and suffering of those whose lives have been forever changed by unspeakable loss, and to take every step to ensure such a disaster never occurs again.' Blue Fish Pediatrics distanced itself from Propst in a statement Saturday night in which the practice disavowed her comments. 'We are aware that a personal social media comment by one of our physicians has caused significant hurt and outrage,' the statement read. 'The content and timing of that post do not reflect the values, standards, or mission of Blue Fish Pediatrics. 'We want to be clear: we do not support or condone any statement that politicizes tragedy, diminishes human dignity, or fails to clearly uphold compassion for every child and family, regardless of background or beliefs. 'Our practice exists for one purpose only - to provide excellent, loving, and respectful care to all children and their families. 'Our patients come from every walk of life, every political belief, and every background, and we are honored to serve each of them with empathy and integrity. 'In moments of crisis, we believe in unity over division, healing over judgment, and humility over rhetoric. We are taking this matter seriously, reviewing it internally, and have placed the physician on administrative leave.' The practice later added that 'the individual is no longer employed.' The head of the Texas Medical Board Dr. Sherif Zaafran also shared Blue Fish's message and added: 'There is no place for politicization. The entire focus needs to be on looking for survivors. Any complaints we may receive will be thoroughly investigated.' Propst's profile has been removed from both the Blue Fish Pediatrics and Children's Memorial Hermann hospital websites. Friday's flash flooding that has left more than 120 people dead, including dozens of children, across the Texas Hill Country region. The confirmed death toll is expected to rise as the urgent search for more than 170 people still missing entered a seventh day. Hundreds of workers in Kerr County and other central Texas communities continue to comb through piles of muddy debris, but there have been no live rescues reported this week. President Donald Trump is preparing to visit the disaster zone Friday with First Lady Melania Trump. The floods are now one of the deadliest natural disasters in Texas history. It is also the deadliest from inland flooding in the US since 1976, when Colorado's Big Thompson Canyon flooded, killing 144 people.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Axed pediatrician who mocked Texas flood victims makes weak excuse after suggesting Trump voters deserved fate
A female pediatrician fired for suggesting MAGA supporters deserved to drown in the Texas floods has offered a weak excuse for her appalling slur. Dr Christina Propst sparked massive backlash over a now-deleted Facebook post where she appeared to blame Republican voters for the tragedy. 'May all visitors, children, non-MAGA voters and pets be safe and dry,' the post read. 'Kerr County MAGA voted to gut FEMA. They deny climate change. May they get what they voted for. Bless their hearts.' Propst's post went viral last weekend after a screenshot of it was shared across multiple social media platforms, resulting in calls for her termination and to have her medical license revoked. The Houston-based doctor has now issued a public apology - but still had the nerve to temper it and play the victim. She now claims she didn't realize at the time how many had died and that her post was 'being shared with the false impression that I made it after the devastating loss of life was known'. 'I speak to you as a mother, a neighbor, a pediatrician, and a human being who is deeply sorry,' Propst wrote Wednesday in a statement published by KPRC. 'I understand my comment caused immense pain to those suffering indescribable grief and for that I am truly sorry.' She said she wanted to 'apologize to each and every individual suffering through terrible loss in this difficult time'. The catastrophic flash floods have killed at least 120 people, with over 170 who are still missing also presumed dead. Propst also urged the community not to direct 'responsibility or harassment' towards her former employer Blue Fish Pediatrics. 'They are kind, hard-working, dedicated pediatricians who had no role in this whatsoever,' she said of her ex-colleagues. 'Perhaps my biggest regret is that my words are now serving as a distraction from our shared responsibility to heal the pain and suffering of those whose lives have been forever changed by unspeakable loss, and to take every step to ensure such a disaster never occurs again.' Blue Fish Pediatrics distanced itself from Propst in a statement Saturday night in which the practice disavowed her comments. 'We are aware that a personal social media comment by one of our physicians has caused significant hurt and outrage,' the statement read. 'The content and timing of that post do not reflect the values, standards, or mission of Blue Fish Pediatrics. 'We want to be clear: we do not support or condone any statement that politicizes tragedy, diminishes human dignity, or fails to clearly uphold compassion for every child and family, regardless of background or beliefs. 'Our practice exists for one purpose only - to provide excellent, loving, and respectful care to all children and their families. 'Our patients come from every walk of life, every political belief, and every background, and we are honored to serve each of them with empathy and integrity. 'In moments of crisis, we believe in unity over division, healing over judgment, and humility over rhetoric. We are taking this matter seriously, reviewing it internally, and have placed the physician on administrative leave.' The practice later added that 'the individual is no longer employed.' The head of the Texas Medical Board Dr. Sherif Zaafran also shared Blue Fish's message and added: 'There is no place for politicization. The entire focus needs to be on looking for survivors. Any complaints we may receive will be thoroughly investigated.' Propst's profile has been removed from both the Blue Fish Pediatrics and Children's Memorial Hermann hospital websites. Propst's former employer Blue Fish Pediatrics distanced itself from the pediatrician in a statement Saturday night in which the practice disavowed her comments Friday's flash flooding that has left more than 120 people dead, including dozens of children, across the Texas Hill Country region. The confirmed death toll is expected to rise as the urgent search for more than 170 people still missing entered a seventh day. Hundreds of workers in Kerr County and other central Texas communities continue to comb through piles of muddy debris, but there have been no live rescues reported this week. President Donald Trump is preparing to visit the disaster zone Friday with First Lady Melania Trump. The floods are now one of the deadliest natural disasters in Texas history. It is also the deadliest from inland flooding in the US since 1976, when Colorado's Big Thompson Canyon flooded, killing 144 people. Dr Christina Propst's 'apology' to Texas flood victims Dr Christina Propst has issued a formal apology to the victims of the flash floods that left more than 120 people dead in Texas' Hill Country. Her statement, published Wednesday by KPRC, reads in full: I speak to you as a mother, a neighbor, a pediatrician, and a human being who is deeply sorry. I take full responsibility for a social media comment I made before we knew that so many precious lives were lost to the terrible tragedy in Central Texas. I understand my comment caused immense pain to those suffering indescribable grief and for that I am truly sorry. I would like to make clear that my regrettable comment was in no way a response to the tragic loss of human life. But the words written were mine and regardless of how they are being presented, that is a fact that I deeply regret. I want to apologize to each and every individual suffering through terrible loss in this difficult time. As news of heartbreaking fatalities became clear I immediately removed my thoughtless comment, as it does not reflect the depth of my compassion or the respect I have for each and every human life. Unfortunately, my online comment is now being shared with the false impression that I made it after the devastating loss of life was known. I did not. But again, the comment was mine and mine alone. Even in these divisive times, some things are and should remain sacred. Human life is sacred. The well-being of children is sacred. Politics and party affiliation should never affect the judgment or actions of any medical provider and have never affected mine. Anyone who has sat in my office, cried on my shoulder in moments of loss, afforded me the privilege of helping their child grow, or trusted me with their child's life knows that I am tirelessly committed to children's medical care and would never be so callous as to make such a remark about lives cut so terribly short. I did not choose my words with the sensitivity the moment required, or with any awareness of the heartbreaking loss that would later become clear to all of us. My comment came from a place of frustration - born of my belief that our communities, first responders, healthcare system, early-warning systems and disaster infrastructure need more and better support and funding to help prevent and respond to tragedies such as this. But my poor choice of words has been perceived as a response to this tragedy, and for that I am deeply sorry. I respectfully ask that no responsibility or harassment be directed toward my former employer. They are kind, hard-working, dedicated pediatricians who had no role in this whatsoever. Perhaps my biggest regret is that my words are now serving as a distraction from our shared responsibility to heal the pain and suffering of those whose lives have been forever changed by unspeakable loss, and to take every step to ensure such a disaster never occurs again. One thing on which we can all agree: The heart of every Texan breaks for each and every family shattered by this tragedy. I pray that those who are suffering find peace and comfort in the difficult days ahead and commit myself to helping the entire community heal and recover. Moving forward, I will do my very best to listen, learn, grow and serve my community as I have always done. Because that is really who I am. With deep regret, July 8, 2025
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Doctor who lost job over Texas flood post says sorry for ‘regrettable comment'
A pediatrician who is no longer working for a chain of clinics affiliated with a prominent Houston hospital system after a social media post that wished voters in a Donald-Trump supporting county of central Texas 'get what they voted for' amid flash flooding that killed nearly 120 – including many children – has publicly apologized. 'I speak to you as a mother, a neighbor, a pediatrician, and a human being who is deeply sorry,' Dr Christina Propst wrote after Blue Fish Pediatrics announced Sunday she was no longer an employee there because of a social media post that the clinic said did 'not reflect the value, standards or mission' of the chain. 'I take full responsibility for a social media comment I made before we knew that so many precious lives were lost to the terrible tragedy in central Texas. 'I understand my comment caused immense pain to those suffering indescribable grief and for that I am truly sorry,' Propst added in a post first reported by the Texas news station KPRC. 'I would like to make clear that my regrettable comment was in no way a response to the tragic loss of human life … and … that is a fact that I deeply regret.' In the post that preceded the end of her time at Blue Fish Pediatrics, Propst alluded to how Kerr county, Texas, on 4 July had – like the state as a whole – voted in favor of Trump as he defeated former vice-president Kamala Harris in November's White House election. Donald Trump's presidential administration has since sought to erase mentions of the ongoing climate crisis and its consequences, one of which is making rainfalls like the one that devastated Kerr more common. The president has also mused about 'phasing out' the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema), in part so that Trump' office could be in charge of distributing disaster relief funds and ultimately 'give out less money'. 'May all visitors, children, non-Maga voters and pets be safe and dry,' said the post, which invoked an acronym for Trump's 'Make America great again' slogan. 'Kerr county Maga voted to gut Fema. They deny climate change. May they get what they voted for.' Residents of Kerr county have since spoken about losing all of their possessions, including their homes, after the flood in question. They have also recounted seeking what have proven to be elusive answers about the level of preparedness from authorities tasked with protecting their communities. Soon, the post made its way to Blue Fish Pediatrics, listed as an independent partner of Houston's well-known Memorial Hermann hospital network. The clinic chain – which was tagged by social media users demanding that it act against Propst – said in a statement that the group was immediately placing the message's author on leave. A statement later said that the post's author was 'no longer an employed' at the chain while expressing 'full support to the families and the surrounding communities who are grieving, recovering and searching for hope'. Many US healthcare providers are required by their employers – as a condition of their employment – to avoid circulating opinions which could undermine trust in their profession among members of the public. 'We strongly condemn the comments that were made in that post,' Blue Fish Pediatrics' statement said. 'That post does not reflect the values, standards or mission of Blue Fish Pediatrics. We do not support or condone any statement that politicizes tragedy, diminishes human dignity, or fails to clearly uphold compassion for every child and family, regardless of background or beliefs.' The clinic chain's statement didn't say whether Propst had resigned or was dismissed. But on Wednesday, KPRC reported that Propst – in part – had since published another post saying she wanted to 'apologize to each and every individual suffering through terrible loss in this difficult time'. 'The comment was mine and mine alone,' Propst's post said, in part. 'Even in these divisive times, some things are and should remain sacred.' The timing of the post that cost Propst her employment caused offense, being published after communities along Texas's Guadalupe River were overwhelmed early Friday from flash flooding triggered by torrential rain. The river rose 26ft (8 meters) in 45 minutes after 1.8tn gallons of rain fell over a region including Kerr county, Texas, about 286 miles (460km) west of Texas. As of Wednesday, officials reported that at least 119 people had died, including more than two dozen campers and counselors at the nondenominational Christian institution of Camp Mystic – with more than 160 in Kerr believed to be missing. That made up most of the more than 170 missing in all of Texas as of Wednesday. Kerr county residents who survived the flood have spoken about losing their homes and other possessions. They have also said they are trying to get what have proven to be elusive answers about the level of preparedness from authorities in charge of their safety. According to a biography at Blue Fish's website which was recently taken offline, Propst is a native of New York who graduated from Princeton University in 1991. She graduated from New Orleans's Tulane medical school, received certifications from the American board as well as academy of pediatrics and spent 17 years in group practice in Houston before joining Blue Fish in 2018.
New York Post
4 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Fired doctor grovels after her foul post suggesting flood victims were Trump supporters who got ‘what they voted for' sparked outrage
The pediatrician who claimed the Texas flood victims were Trump supporters who got 'what they voted for' has issued a groveling apology after being canceled and fired. Dr. Christina B. Propst said she is taking 'full responsibility' for her now-viral post — while blaming it in part on her not knowing that 'so many precious lives were lost to the terrible tragedy' that killed more than 100 people, including dozens of kids. 'I speak to you as a mother, a neighbor, a pediatrician, and a human being who is deeply sorry,' the Houston-based children's doc wrote in a statement shared by KPRC. 5 Houston pediatrician Dr. Christina Propst was fired from her job after her social media post went viral. Texas Democrats 5 An officer prays with a family as they pick up items at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. AP 'I understand my comment caused immense pain to those suffering indescribable grief and for that I am truly sorry.' While insisting she wrote her post before knowing anyone had died, she acknowledged: 'The words written were mine and regardless of how they are being presented, that is a fact that I deeply regret. 'I want to apologize to each and every individual suffering through terrible loss in this difficult time.' Blaming the backlash on her post 'being shared with the false impression that I made it after the devastating loss of life was known,' she again conceded: 'The comment was mine and mine alone.' Propst sparked widespread outrage from the since-deleted post, posted under her old Facebook username, Chris Tina. 5 The social media post that sparked backlash and led to her firing. 'May all visitors, children, non-MAGA voters and pets be safe and dry. Kerr County MAGA voted to gut FEMA,' she had written. 'They deny climate change. May they get what they voted for. Bless their hearts.' Propst's employer, Blue Fish Pediatrics, announced she was 'no longer employed' in a statement on Monday after she was initially suspended. 5 Dr. Christina Propst issued an apology after her vile post went viral and she lost her job. Blue Fish Pediatrics 'We do not support or condone any statement that politicizes tragedy, diminishes human dignity, or fails to clearly uphold compassion for every child and family, regardless of background or beliefs,' the medical provider said. Propst said in her apology that politics have never impacted her judgment or actions as a medical provider, adding that she is 'tirelessly committed to children's medical care and would never be so callous as to make such a remark about lives cut so terribly short.' 5 Houses and cars are partially submerged in flood waters in an aerial view near Kerrville, Texas. via REUTERS She said her harsh words came from 'a place of frustration' from her belief that better support is needed to prepare and respond to disasters like last weekend's floods. More than 160 people are still missing in the wake of the devastating floods, and at least 118 have died — with that number expected to rise, officials said.
