Inclusion, Diversity, and Empowerment in Neurology: A Blog by Andrew Spector, MD

Here is the D&I update for August.  

Good morning, Folks.

Here is the D&I update for July. Thankfully, there’s a bit less national news to cover this month, so we can focus more on the department.

Each year, we pick a theme and target our projects around an EDI goal. These have included the following: 

This the June D&I update, and whoaaaa boy, is there a lot to cover! Traditionally, I like to do a year-in-review with the June email, and I will still do a brief version of that, but we really need to discuss Pride month, Affirmative Action, and the Supreme Court. I apologize if this is longer than you can read in one sitting, but I hope you’ll take the time to mentally engage with these topics. Although it might seem like these are political issues, these decisions have direct impacts on health and health care.

Good afternoon!

Here is your May 2023 D&I update.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month along with Jewish American Heritage Month, and Older Americans Month, so I want to give recognition to all of our department members who identify with any of these groups. We find strength in our diversity.

I hope you’re enjoying this beautiful Spring and Eid Mubarak!

At the end of all of my monthly emails, I provide a link to anonymous comment box. It doesn’t get used often, but I’m pleased that we did receive a comment this past month. I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to write to the DEI Committee! I’d like to share the comment because it raises a very important point.

Here is your Neurology Department D&I update for March 2023. This will be relatively brief as the committee’s efforts have been focused on our NCCU Career Explorations Day on April 29, so there hasn’t been as much else going on to report. A full advertising push has been initiated, so hopefully you’re seeing the publicity from our department, the CTSI, and the Duke-NCCU Bridge Office. Please help us spread the word to any of your contacts at NCCU who might be interested in helping us get the word out. We’re also still looking for more volunteers.

A week ago, Dr. Nimish Mohile from the University of Rochester gave an inspirational grand rounds talk on combatting inequity in academic neurology departments. He reviewed the many changes that he and his colleagues have implemented to move toward great equity in their department. If you missed it, you can watch it here.

Hello everyone. Here is your D&I Update for January 2023. The big news that I’m very excited to share with you is that we have received a gift from Harmony Biosciences to sponsor our Careers in Neurology and Neuroscience Day for NCCU students!

November is Native American Heritage Month. As far as I can tell, Duke University does not have a formal Land Acknowledgement Statement, though there is an effort among the Native American and Indigenous Students Alliance (NAISA) to get the university to adopt one.

Congratulations to Dr. Morgenlander, Dr. Johnson, and everyone who contributed to the recently dedicated Habitat for Humanity House. What a great show of support for our community! 

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