Juneteenth commemorates the day, June 19, 1865, when General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to deliver the news of the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all enslaved individuals in Confederate territory were henceforth free. This momentous occasion marked the end of a cruel chapter in American history and the beginning of a long and arduous journey towards racial justice and equality.
Today, as members of the medical profession, we carry the torch of progress by ensuring that healthcare, a fundamental human right, is accessible and equitable for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. We understand that the legacy of slavery and systemic racism has had a lasting impact on the health and well-being of African Americans and other marginalized communities. It is our duty to recognize these disparities and work tirelessly to dismantle the barriers that perpetuate them.
As members of the Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, we have the unique opportunity to advance communication-related aspects of health in patients and communities that we serve, and in the global community. We must strive not only to provide exceptional medical treatment but also to ensure that our patients feel heard, understood, and empowered in their healthcare journey. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and cultural sensitivity, we can bridge the gap in healthcare outcomes and empower individuals to take control of their own health.
To achieve this vision, it is crucial that we cultivate and preserve a work and learning environment that is supportive of talent from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We must continuously educate ourselves, challenge our biases, and actively seek out opportunities to learn from and engage with diverse patient populations. By doing so, we can build trust and provide culturally competent care that respects and embraces the unique perspectives and needs of all individuals. Our long-term impact as an innovative Department is inextricably linked to this commitment.
As we celebrate Juneteenth, let us rededicate ourselves to the noble cause of equity in healthcare. May we dedicate ourselves to unleashing the full potential of our faculty and trainees, by cultivating a strong sense of belonging and psychological safety. Let’s take some time over the coming year to get to know each other’s journeys that have brought us to healthcare and the privilege of serving others, and may we leverage our diversity and collective wisdom to lead in advancing care and eliminating disparities.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication and commitment to our patients and the principles that guide our profession. Together, we can create a healthcare system that truly embodies the values of equity, compassion, and justice.
Wishing you a meaningful Juneteenth celebration and continued success in all your endeavors.
Howard Francis
Howard W. Francis, MD, MBA, FACS
Richard Hall Chaney, Sr. Distinguished Professor of Otolaryngology
Chair, Department of Head and Neck Surgery
& Communication Sciences
Chief of Medical Staff, Duke University Hospital