Houston Pediatrician Fired After Mocking Dead Children
Floods in Central Texas, July 2025. Photo courtesy of World Central Kitchen under CC BY 4.0.
In early July 2025, Central Texas faced a devastating natural disaster as flash floods swept through Kerr County and surrounding areas, tragically claiming over 119 lives, including 40 children. Amid this crisis, a Houston pediatrician, Dr. Christina Propst, sparked outrage with a social media post that politicized the tragedy and insulted the victims. Her remarks implied that some flood victims deserved the consequences of the flooding due to their political choices, leading to swift condemnation and her termination from Blue Fish Pediatrics, the Houston clinic where she practiced.
Who Is Dr. Christina Propst?
Dr. Propst is a pediatrician formerly affiliated with Blue Fish Pediatrics, a chain connected to Houston's Memorial Hermann hospital system. A native of New York, she graduated from Princeton University in 1991 and later earned her medical degree from Tulane University. With certifications from the American Board and Academy of Pediatrics, she had spent 17 years in group practice before joining Blue Fish in 2018. According to The Guardian, she was recognized in local reader polls as a highly regarded pediatrician in the Houston community.
The Controversial Post
As search and rescue operations were underway following the deadly floods, Dr. Propst posted on Facebook expressing frustration over the political climate in Kerr County, a region known for its strong support of President Donald Trump. She reportedly criticized residents for denying climate change and voting to cut disaster-relief funding, specifically targeting their support for policies that affected the Federal Emergency Management Agency's budget.
Her post suggested that residents who supported Trump and opposed climate change measures were responsible for the disaster's impact. "May all visitors, children, non-Maga voters and pets be safe and dry," she said, according to The Guardian, which was widely perceived as mocking and deeply insensitive given the scale of the tragedy. She ended with, "Bless their hearts."
The Flood Crisis in Kerr County
The floods struck with alarming speed and force. Torrential rains reportedly caused the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in just 45 minutes, overwhelming communities and leading to widespread destruction. Kerr County, located about 150 miles west of Houston, was among the hardest hit. Recent reports cite 119 total deaths, including at least 40 children, many of whom were campers at Camp Mystic, a 99-year-old all-girls Christian camp along the river.
The disaster prompted a major federal response. President Donald Trump signed a disaster declaration for Kerr County, enabling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal agencies to assist with search, rescue, and recovery efforts. Texas Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the importance of collaboration between state, local, and federal partners in the recovery process.
Employer's Response and Termination
Blue Fish Pediatrics acted quickly once the post gained widespread attention online. Initially placing Dr. Propst on leave, the clinic soon announced that she was no longer employed there. The organization issued a firm statement condemning her remarks, emphasizing that they did not reflect the clinic's values or mission. They underscored their commitment to compassion for every child and family, regardless of background or beliefs, and rejected any politicization of tragedy or diminution of human dignity, as reported by San Antonio Current.
Memorial Hermann, the hospital network affiliated with Blue Fish, also distanced itself from Dr. Propst's comments, clarifying that she was not directly employed by them but affirming "zero tolerance" for rhetoric that undermines their mission and values, as reported by The Guardian.
Public Reaction and Apology
The post sparked swift outrage on social media and beyond, with many demanding accountability. While free speech rights protect individuals' opinions, healthcare professionals are often held to higher standards due to the trust placed in them by the public. Dr. Propst's comments were widely viewed as a breach of that trust, especially given the timing during a humanitarian crisis.
In response to the backlash, Dr. Propst issued a public apology, expressing deep regret and stating that she was unaware of the full extent of the flood's devastation when she made the post. She acknowledged the pain caused by her words and conveyed sympathy for the victims and their families saying, "I speak to you as a mother, a neighbor, a pediatrician, and a human being who is deeply sorry," as reported by The Guardian.
Lessons in Compassion and Responsibility
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the power and responsibility that come with public communication, especially for professionals in caregiving roles. The flood victims of Kerr County were enduring unimaginable loss and hardship and politicizing their suffering only deepened wounds.
You might wonder how frustration over political issues can lead to such a misstep. It's a cautionary tale about the importance of empathy and the need to separate personal beliefs from public expressions during times of crisis. The swift response by Blue Fish highlights how organizations must uphold standards that protect the dignity of all individuals, especially in moments of tragedy.
Moving Forward
As Kerr County and Central Texas continue to recover from the floods, the focus is on healing and rebuilding. The loss of life and property underscores the increasing risks posed by climate change and the critical role of disaster preparedness and response funding.
For healthcare providers and others, Dr. Propst's story underscores the delicate balance between personal expression and professional responsibility. It challenges you to consider how your words might impact others, especially when emotions run high.
In the end, this episode is more than just a controversy — it's a call to compassion, respect, and thoughtful communication in the face of human suffering.
References: Texas pediatrician fired for online post suggesting some flood victims deserved their fate | Texas pediatrician 'no longer employed' after post about pro-Trump flood victims | Texas floods 2025 | Houston doctor fired after controversial post about Texas flood victims | Texas identifies the 119 people killed in Kerr County floods
