“How are you?” It’s a simple question, too often taken for granted. But when you are unwell and in the hospital, this simple question can become much more—an uplifting expression of care and concern and a reassuring human connection.

I recently had the pleasure of witnessing such an interaction while visiting patients at Emory University Hospital (EUH). Delmi Reyes, EVS Tech I (pictured above), entered to tidy a patient’s room. Rather than simply going quietly about the task at hand, Delmi took a moment to look the patient in the eye, smile, and warmly ask, “How are you feeling today?” It was immediately clear from the patient’s reaction that this simple act of kindness had significantly brightened his day.

Team members such as Delmi, who are driven by genuine compassion and empathy for people in need, propel Emory into the top echelons of academic health centers nationwide and, most importantly, into the trust of the people we serve. She has been on staff at EUH for five months after serving Emory University Hospital Midtown for five years. Her teammates describe her as “upbeat, always smiling, and passionate about providing excellent patient care,” qualities that were evident in the patient interaction I observed.

Meeting Delmi inspired me to add a new feature to Health Sciences Update going forward. The segment “Our People” will highlight the outstanding contributions our team members across the breadth of the health sciences provide to the Emory family. To nominate a colleague to be featured, please email me at evphafeedback@emory.edu and let me know what makes them special.

Thank you, Delmi, for helping us improve lives and provide hope!

Kind regards,

Ravi

Ravi I. Thadhani, MD, MPH
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, Emory University
Executive Director, Woodruff Health Sciences Center
Vice Chair, Emory Healthcare Board of Directors

Emory leaders and learners came together to participate in a CDC symposium reflecting on the 50th anniversary of the syphilis study at Tuskegee. This impactful, heartfelt, and powerful event allowed attendees to hear stories directly from the family members of those who were part of the study, to explore the context of what this means for the history of Black people who continue to suffer from health inequities, and to learn about the CDC’s commitment to make a difference. Jasmin Eatman, past president of the School of Medicine (SOM) Student National Medical Association, and Tuzo Mwarumba, president of Black Men in White Coats, attended the event and share their reflections here. (Emory login and password required.)

The Emory University Hospital Operating Unit has announced its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) strategic action plan, which will guide its efforts through FY2025. Aligned with the Emory Healthcare DEI action plan, the DEIB plan focuses on five key goals: 1) Enhance intercultural skills and competencies of our providers, staff, and leaders to foster an environment of empathy and fairness; 2) Ensure our human resource practices are transparent and inclusive to improve the recruitment and retention of diverse talent; 3) Cultivate a culture of equity and inclusivity; 4) Deliver equitable and culturally congruent care to all patients; and 5) Nurture community partnerships to address the social determinants of health concerns that impact our patient population. Emory Healthcare employees can visit the DEIB intranet page for more information including the specific initiatives under each goal.

Special thanks to the EUH/EUOSH/EWWH DEIB Advisory Committee, co-chaired by Georgia Jackson, director of Workforce Development and Patient-Family Centered Care, and Lucero Rodriguez, director, Employee and Patient Experience. 

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dr. R. Wayne Alexander, who served as the chair of the Department of Medicine from 1999 to 2013, and the R. Bruce Logue Professor in the Department of Medicine’s division of cardiology.

During Dr. Alexander’s career as a cardiologist, he was known for his research in the field of vascular biology. His lab focused on molecular mechanisms which control the cells in the blood vessel wall and, in particular, the role of inflammation in vascular disease. His research led to a new understanding of the pathogenesis of human diseases and the development of novel therapeutics. 

Dr. Alexander began his research career as a PhD student at Emory University in his late teens and early twenties. He contributed notably to the field of vascular biology, taking basic observations to applications that could be applied clinically, including drug development. In honor of his extensive impact, Emory University’s Department of Medicine created the R. Wayne Alexander Excellence in Research Accomplishment Award to recognize significant contributions to medical knowledge realized through a body of research over an individual’s career in either basic research or clinical and translational research. Read full tribute here.

Dr. Hendee served as chief of GYN at the Emory Clinic and chief of the GYN service at Emory Hospital. He was a tenured full professor and upon retirement he received the honored title of professor emeritus. He also was honored with an academic, endowed chair in the Department of GYN-OB. He received the Emory School of Medicine Alumni Association Award in 2016.

When he retired, the gift he treasured most was a letter he received from the resident staff who wrote these lines, "You are a true southern gentleman and a scholar. We feel privileged to have been taught by you both in the operating room and at the patient's bedside. Your treatment of patients, nurses, residents, and colleagues with true warmth and respect is admired by all of us. You are a patient and empathetic teacher, the very definition of a gracious man. Thank you for all you have taught us."

During the last years of his life, he was actively involved in the writing of a School of Medicine history book, which will be published in July, 2023. Dr. Hendee died on January 5, 2023, at age 98. Dr. Hendee was a dedicated Emory physician and professor, and we are thankful for his service to so many.

Gari Clifford, professor of biomedical informatics and biomedical engineering, has been elected as an IEEE Fellow for his contributions to machine-learning applications in cardiovascular time series. The IEEE, or Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is the world's leading association of technical professionals aimed at the educational and technical advancement of electrical and electronic engineering, telecommunications, computer engineering and similar disciplines.

Ted Johnson, division director of the division of general internal medicine and chair of the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, is the recipient of the 2023 Larry Zaroff Man of Good Conscience Award. The award is presented annually to a man who has been a champion and supporter of women in medicine. Read more.

Anant Mandawat, Winship cardio-oncologist, has been appointed to the American College of Cardiology Leadership Council on Cardiovascular Management. In this role, he will provide expertise on the structure and development of cardio-oncology services in the U.S.

Jill Morgan, a critical care nurse at Emory University Hospital, has been appointed to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Workshop on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Personal Protective Technology (PPT) Product Standardization for a Resilient Public Health Supply Chain. This appointment will allow Morgan to help update and streamline the national standardization system for PPE and PPT in support of an unexpected disruption to the supply chain.