'White Coats for Black Lives' sees medical professionals stand in solidarity against racial injustice

ARCADIA, Calif. (KABC) -- The medical community came together Friday in a show of solidarity against racial injustice and police brutality. Workers at hospitals and clinics around the country, including Southern California, took part in the "White Coats for Black Lives" movement.

The event was in honor of George Floyd, and it supports the cause for social justice and equality.

MORE: Local doctor, nurse hand out face masks, hand sanitizer to protesters in SoCal

Dr. Anu Seshadri handed out masks and hand sanitizer to protesters who gathered in downtown Los Angeles Friday to stand up against police brutality.

Methodist Hospital of Southern California in Arcadia was one of several medical centers that took part. Doctor, nurses, security personnel and administrative staff all took a knee for 8 minutes and 46 seconds -- the time the now former police officer in Minneapolis had his knee on Floyd's neck.

"No matter who you are, we all matter," said Akhere Ohiku, Methodist Hospital nurse. "Black people deserve respect just like everybody."

"It is huge, because doctors and nurses are considered to be the good people, the frontline staff trying to do wonderful things" said Dr. Bala Chandrasekhar. "And when they come out and speak in a unified voice I think it makes a big difference. I think people will listen to us."

MORE: Health care 'superheroes' from around the world share their COVID-19 stories

Healthcare "superheroes" around the world are sharing their stories from the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19.

MORE: Team of doctors visit farmworkers in Ventura County on site amid coronavirus pandemic

Among the essential workers still on the job are farmworkers who pick and process fruits and vegetables. They're at work and often face challenges in going to a doctor, so a team of local doctors is going to them.

MORE: OC doctor volunteers on front lines at NYC hospital

When a New York hospital put out a call for help from intensive-care-unit doctors amid the coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Sebastian Schubl of Orange County was among those who volunteered.