Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-racism, & Social Justice

In July 2020, the Duke Neurology Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Committee began a project to amplify the voices of our community through writing. This body is composed of faculty, staff, administration, residents, advanced practice providers, and post-doctoral fellows. Many members of our committee have never published before. Voices: Lived Experiences seemed to be the perfect opportunity to allow all members of our committee a chance to voice their perspectives on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Committee members were given the following prompts and asked to write briefly about one of these or any other personal story related to EDI:

1. Describe a time you experienced discrimination

2. Discuss why you joined the D&I Committee and what you hope to accomplish

3. Tell about a time you perpetrated discrimination that you now regret and what you learned from it

Authors were asked to provide their name, position, race, and gender but were given the opportunity to withhold any of these if they were uncomfortable sharing this information. Below, please find the voices of the Duke University Department of Neurology.

My four years of experience working in the diversity and inclusion field have educated me on the importance of making changes at the system-wide level. Almost all of us to treat our colleagues fairly and equitably. But when we’re stressed, under deadlines, or tired (which is happening now more than ever in the era of COVID-19), we tend to take shortcuts that are disproportionately likely to harm vulnerable groups. By including guidelines and procedures into how we hire, promote, and interact with our colleagues, patients, or the outside world, we’re more likely to recognize and address our own biases–and make decisions that are better for everyone.

Name: Will Alexander

Position: Administration

Race: White

Gender: Male

My happy journey towards Diversity & Inclusion at Duke Neurology! 

I learned much more positivity about the “Melting Pot” before immigrating to the United States over 20 years ago. I have kept the positive attitude even after I was called “yellow skin”- about two decades ago, or told my spoken English is poor and nonsensical. Culture, language and skin color are common challenges for immigrants.  However, those challenges turn into my motivation and creativity for providing the best patient care under the leadership of our Diversity and Inclusion Committee in our Neurology Department.  I feel I am included, supported, valued and respected, especially during the crazy pandemic time, with “Chinese virus” misleading on social media.

Name: Hillary Yu

Position: APP

Race: Chinese American

Gender: Female

[Read All Submissions]