Recent addition to the Duke Neurology Department Pamela Neville has big shoes to fill. After the retirement of Kathy Ervin, a nearly four-decade veteran of Duke, at the end of 2021, Neville is taking on the duties of making sure new faculty have the tools and systems they need to be successful at Duke as well as assisting in the promotions process. For our first Spotlight interview of 2022, Neville talks to us about learning about the ins and outs of that position from Ervin, her previous experience at the Duke Pediatrics Department, and what she’s looking forward to in the new year.
What are your current responsibilities within the Neurology Department? What does a typical day look like for you?
I onboard new faculty, making sure they have access to the tools and systems needed to be successful in their practice at Duke. I also work with the promotions and tenure committee, assisting in the process of promotions. Of course, I just started in December so I am training with Kathy Ervin, and that means a lot of Zoom meetings for us.
What were you doing before you came to the Neurology Department?
I have been at Duke since 2007, much of that time was in the Department of Pediatrics. I started as a staff assistant, and was moved to the position of GME Program Coordinator for several Pediatric Fellowships. I spent the last 2.5 years in the Graduate Medical Education Office as the Registrar. As a team, our office credentialed, onboarded, and held orientation for almost 400 trainees each year.
How does your experience in the Neurology Department so far compare to your work in the Pediatrics Department?
The experience in both departments have been and are very positive. Friendly co-workers, and team players feel very much the norm for both departments. I still have a very friendly relationship with many of the faculty members in the division of Neonatal Perinatal Medicine. We keep in touch, sometimes grabbing a coffee in the cafeteria at Duke North. That is a big plus at Duke, being able to create relationships that carry on for years.
What’s the biggest change you've seen at Duke since you came here in 2007?
The biggest change has come in our ability to work from home. I would have NEVER thought I would like to work from home, but it has been a very positive experience for me. Working from home eliminates a daily two-hour commute, and I feel much more productive being at home. There are less interruptions, but I can still reach out via the phone, Zoom, or email if needed. I like to go into the office a few times a month, and take care of any items that cannot be handled at home.
You’re taking over the duties of Kathy Ervin, who has been a linchpin of the Department for the past 20 years. What’s one thing that you’ve learned from her so far?
Kathy has such a breadth of knowledge about this position, and the University, there are too many things I have learned from her to pick just one. She has been so helpful, and I have enjoyed getting to know her. She is certainly going to be missed by everyone, including me.
What’s one thing you’re looking forward to in 2022?
In 2022, I am looking forward to getting to know more faculty, and staff in the Department of Neurology. Everyone has been very welcoming, and helpful. I am looking forward to being a part of it. I also hope to get to see a little more of my family in 2022. I have two daughters, both are married and have a child of their own. We live about 2 hours from each other, so the distance, and the pandemic have not made it easy to visit. Hopefully, we can see each other more in the coming year.
What other passions or hobbies do you have outside of Duke?
I moved from Raleigh to Roxboro in November 2020, and I have learned to love yard work, especially gardening, and I recently took up painting.