Einstein cardiologist faces scrutiny for political discrimination claims

Clederson Henry Dina, a cardiologist associated with Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, sparked controversy after posting messages on Instagram stating he does not treat “petistas vagabundos” (vagrancy PT supporters). In a series of social media stories, Dina also claimed to have “resources” to reject voters of the Workers' Party (PT), supporters of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The posts were removed before the 24-hour expiration period. While Dina did not specify how he would identify a patient's political affiliation, the conduct described contradicts the Brazilian Medical Ethics Code. Federal Medical Council Resolution No. 2.217/2018 mandates that medical practice must serve human and collective health “without discrimination of any nature.” Additionally, the code prohibits physicians from refusing care in emergency or urgent care settings.

Dina also works at a clinic linked to David Uip, a former executive director of the Heart Institute (Incor) and current national infectious disease director at Rede D’Or. Hospital Albert Einstein, the Federal Medical Council (CFM), the Regional Medical Council of São Paulo (Cremesp), and the São Paulo Medical Association (APM) have not yet commented on the matter.