Dr Christina B. Propst, a Houston-based pediatrician, has been dismissed from her position after a social media post mocking victims of the recent Texas floods drew widespread criticism.
The now-deleted Facebook post, shared under an older alias “Chris Tina,” surfaced online after being flagged by the conservative account Libs of TikTok. In it, Propst wrote, “May all visitors, children, non-MAGA voters and pets be safe and dry. Kerr County MAGA voted to gut FEMA. They deny climate change. May they get what they voted for. Bless their hearts.”
The floods took more than 100 lives over the weekend, leaving parts of Texas reeling. Propst’s comments drew heavy criticism for being tone-deaf in the face of such tragedy.
Her employer, Blue Fish Pediatrics, initially suspended her pending review. Soon after, the clinic confirmed her termination.
“We strongly condemn the comments that were made in that post,” Blue Fish Pediatrics said in a statement quoted by local outlet Click2Houston. “That post does not reflect the values, standards, or mission of Blue Fish Pediatrics.”
The statement added, “We reject any comment that turns tragedy into politics, disrespects human dignity, or lacks compassion for every child and family—no matter their background or beliefs.”
Propst’s profile has since been removed from both the Blue Fish Pediatrics and Memorial Hermann Health System websites.
Memorial Hermann, which clarified that Propst was not directly employed by the group, also issued a public response. “We are aware of statements made by a physician on social media and strongly condemn these statements. This provider is not employed by Memorial Hermann. We have zero tolerance for such rhetoric which does not reflect the mission, vision or values of our system.”
As the post gained traction, calls for professional accountability increased. Dr Sherif Zaafran, chair of the Texas Medical Board, told Sky News, “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.”
The board has not yet confirmed if a formal inquiry into Propst’s conduct will be launched.
Discussion continues as many weigh how professionals should communicate in a crisis and whether personal posts online can cross into professional misconduct.
