Angela Stokes is the Strategic Services Associate for Duke Primary Care Human Resources Department, in addition to her role as Strategic Services Associate, Angela Serves as an Educator/Facilitator for Duke Health’s Empathy, Belonging and Cultural Education Program.
During a conversation with Angela, earlier this month, I asked about her role and passion for diversity and inclusion in the context of healthcare. She discussed her efforts, which included
Culture Vision™, an online digital resource that serves as a cultural and language bridge between patients and their providers. Our conversation is outlined below.
—Dr. Bob Crouch, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Duke University Office for Institutional Equity
1.How long have you been devoted to diversity, inclusion (D&I) and culturally competent healthcare in the workspace and why is this work important to you?
In the Human Resources arena, I often facilitate misunderstandings between employees. I have found that while people are generally familiar with differences that are categorized under legally protected classes, they are often tripped up by how those and other differences, which make us unique – look in our everyday interactions. Failure to navigate these difference well, can impact individual perspectives and be at the root of misunderstandings. This cannot only affect how we view each other; it can influence how we perceive patients. Our level of cultural competence impacts how patients navigate the healthcare system. It is at this time that patients can be at their most vulnerable. It is paramount that we intentionally create an environment, which feels, safe and supported. If we do not create an experience that communicates empathy and acceptance, we can affect the patient experience. We want patients to know that Duke is their resource for quality care and it is a place where they can present their truth and not be judged.
Our formal discussion and training around Culturally Competent Care and Diversity and Inclusion helps to remind our team members to be ever vigilant. It is important to me that the vocabulary of inclusion and cultural competence be the norm for Duke. We are not only creating a positive experience we are also making a safer experience. I take pride in my role in furthering the discussion of Diversity, Inclusion and Cultural Competence here at Duke and specifically Duke Primary Care.
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