A pediatrician at the center of a social media storm has been dismissed from her position after posting a controversial message in the wake of deadly flash flooding in Texas. Dr. Christina Propst, formerly of Blue Fish Pediatrics, a clinic affiliated with the Memorial Hermann hospital network in Houston, was identified as the author of a widely circulated social media post that politicized the deaths of over 100 people, including children, in Kerr County—a region known for its support of former President Donald Trump. The post sparked outrage, drawing criticism from both the public and the medical community, ultimately resulting in her termination.
The Social Media Post That Sparked Outrage
The controversy began when a post, allegedly authored by Dr. Christina Propst, circulated across social media platforms. In the post, Propst addressed the recent deadly flooding in Kerr County, Texas, and made pointed remarks about the region’s political affiliations.
She referenced the county’s support for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election and sarcastically suggested that those voters should “get what they voted for,” specifically criticizing the gutting of FEMA and climate change denial. The statement, while expressing concern for children and non-MAGA voters, concluded with the phrase “Bless their hearts,” a phrase often used in the Southern U.S. as a veiled insult.
The post, which referenced ongoing climate issues and FEMA policy changes under Trump’s administration, immediately ignited a firestorm of criticism. Many people saw the comments as deeply insensitive, given that they were made shortly after flash floods devastated communities along the Guadalupe River.
The floods claimed the lives of over 90 people, with many more missing and hundreds displaced. Tragically, among the dead were children from Camp Mystic, a long-standing all-girls Christian camp in Kerr County.
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What made the situation even more volatile was the timing. The post was shared just days after the floods, while search-and-rescue operations were still underway and families were grieving. Survivors were recounting harrowing experiences, from the loss of their homes and belongings to the deaths of loved ones. In that emotional and chaotic atmosphere, Propst’s remarks were interpreted by many as cruel and politically motivated.
Response from Blue Fish Pediatrics and Memorial Hermann
Public backlash was swift. Social media users tagged Blue Fish Pediatrics in posts demanding accountability and questioning how a medical professional could make such a statement. Blue Fish Pediatrics, an independent partner of the prominent Memorial Hermann hospital network, initially placed Christina Propst on leave. By late Sunday, the clinic issued a formal statement confirming that the physician was “no longer employed” by the organization.
In its statement, Blue Fish Pediatrics distanced itself from Propst’s remarks, emphasizing that the comments did not reflect the values, standards, or mission of the clinic. The clinic affirmed its commitment to compassion and care for every child and family, regardless of political or social background. “We do not support or condone any statement that politicizes tragedy, diminishes human dignity, or fails to clearly uphold compassion,” the clinic stated.
The clinic’s website also removed Propst’s biography, which previously highlighted her distinguished credentials, including a Princeton University degree and medical training from Tulane University. Christina Propst had been a well-regarded pediatrician in Houston, having practiced for 17 years before joining Blue Fish in 2018. She had also been recognized multiple times as the “best pediatrician” in local reader polls by the Bellaire Examiner.
Memorial Hermann, while clarifying that Propst was not directly employed by the hospital network, also released a statement condemning the post. “We strongly condemn these statements,” the network declared. “We have zero tolerance for such rhetoric which does not reflect the mission, vision or values of our system.” Memorial Hermann’s involvement highlighted the ripple effect the post had on affiliated healthcare institutions and their reputations.
Wider Implications for Medical Professionals and Public Discourse
The Propst incident has reignited a longstanding debate about the role of healthcare professionals in public discourse, especially on social media. Physicians, like all citizens, have the right to free speech. However, many are bound by professional codes of conduct and employer policies that caution against making public statements that could damage trust in the medical profession or alienate patient populations.
In this case, the post’s tone and timing raised questions about professional decorum and ethical boundaries. Critics argued that it was inappropriate for a pediatrician—someone entrusted with the care of children and the emotional well-being of families—to make remarks that could be perceived as celebrating or trivializing a tragedy. Supporters of Propst, however, pointed to her right to express frustration over political decisions that, in her view, contributed to the severity of the disaster.
Still, the majority opinion within the medical community leaned toward caution. In a profession where trust and empathy are fundamental, any statement that appears to politicize suffering can undermine patient relationships. Healthcare providers often work with diverse populations that hold a wide spectrum of beliefs. Demonstrating compassion and neutrality is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the care they provide.
Furthermore, the incident occurred during a politically charged moment. In the aftermath of the 2024 election, where Trump defeated former Vice President Kamala Harris, national discourse has remained polarized. Trump’s policies, particularly those related to climate change and emergency response, continue to spark intense debate. Propst’s post brought those issues into sharp focus, but at a cost—alienating grieving families and her own employer.
Meanwhile, residents in Kerr County are grappling with the loss and destruction left in the wake of the floods. Over 1.8 trillion gallons of rain fell across the region in a matter of hours, causing the Guadalupe River to rise an astonishing 26 feet in just 45 minutes. The resulting floodwaters swept away homes, vehicles, and even entire buildings. Survivors have described the horror of trying to escape the deluge, the frustration of limited emergency communication, and the emotional toll of losing loved ones.
Local authorities have also come under scrutiny for their preparedness and response to the disaster. Many residents have called for investigations into whether more could have been done to issue warnings or mitigate damage. In this fragile context, Propst’s comments added another layer of distress for a community already reeling.
Attempts to contact Dr. Christina Propst for comment have so far been unsuccessful. As of now, she has not made a public statement regarding her dismissal or the post in question. Her social media accounts have either been deleted or made private. It remains unclear whether she plans to issue an apology or defend her comments.
The case serves as a cautionary tale for professionals navigating the intersection of personal opinion and public responsibility. While freedom of expression remains a constitutional right, the consequences of speech—especially when made in moments of shared tragedy—can be significant. Employers are increasingly drawing hard lines when it comes to statements that appear to jeopardize their public image or the trust of the communities they serve.
In the end, Dr. Christina Propst’s long career in pediatric medicine has been dramatically altered by a few words shared online. The aftermath of her post illustrates the powerful and sometimes unforgiving nature of digital discourse, particularly in times of national pain. It is a reminder that words, especially from those in positions of care and authority, carry weight—and in some cases, career-ending consequences.