DEI Spotlight by Rebecca Villanueva-Valdez - Profile of Dr. Ashoke Khanwalkar

 

What does diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you personally?
I believe that these concepts should not simply be an exercise or a box to check, but rather are important elements of our academic medical venture that must be woven into the fabric of everything that we do – whether in patient care, medical education, or clinical research. Diversity of our trainees and faculty, who carry a variety of cultural insights and perspectives, leads to more effective care of a diverse patient population. The philosophy should also guide the way we interact with one another within the department, as we create a welcoming atmosphere that allows each individual – faculty, staff, researcher, trainee, student – to reach their full potential in the workplace. As someone in an interracial marriage, and thus with a mixed-race child, I’m personally invested in a future where we not only accept but hopefully celebrate diverse viewpoints and backgrounds.

 

What is the most challenging aspect of working in a diverse environment and how do you overcome it?
Working in a diverse environment inherently requires one to look at things from a viewpoint that may never have been experienced in the past. It can be difficult to fully appreciate and understand another’s position if you have no personal prior familiarity or awareness. If you aren’t working from the same starting point, agreement and consensus can be a challenge. However, open communication – with an emphasis on listening – can open up new abilities to understand, even in the absence of agreement. While this requires time and effort, it also leads to a more interesting and dynamic workplace.

 

How do you implement these concepts into your current role and how have they influenced your approach in the department?
As above, I hope that these concepts have made their way into all of my roles in the department, whether as a clinician, a teacher, a researcher, and a colleague. My goal is for all those with whom I interact – in any of these capacities – come away feeling that any personal differences are not problematic but rather a source of power. We all have the opportunity to learn from one another and continue to grow, rather than to stagnate in a fixed mindset. As the Diversity Leader, I want to make sure that everyone has the ability to not only be heard, but also to feel heard, regardless of their background.

DEI Spotlight - Profile of Rebecca Villanueva-Valdez

 

Our administrative assistant, Rebecca, has been with the department for four years. She is originally from Denver, CO.

What does diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you personally?
As a person who holds many identifying disclosures, DEI to me personally holds significant importance, especially in addressing systemic barriers and structural inequalities for those that are historically underserved. Barriers such as discrimination, unequal access to opportunities, and healthcare inequalities are being directly addressed through policy and practice reform and while crucial to our overall society it additionally will personally affect my children and their future. Thus, I am committed through education and awareness as well as an overall willingness to continuously improve myself to become a more inclusive leader in the community.

 

What is the most challenging aspect of working in a diverse environment and how do you overcome it?
I have found when working in a diverse environment that challenges may arise with aligning communication styles and varying viewpoints. Making individuals feel heard and seen in their unique ideas is pivotal and I truly believe when differing perspectives are considered, the best decisions are made. That said, if unaware of one's unconscious bias, it can directly affect decision-making as well as interpersonal interactions. I hope to overcome these adversities by making time to build solid and trusting relationships while actively working to avoid these biases, or at minimum recognizing and rectifying when I have fallen short.

 

How do you implement these concepts into your current role and how have they influenced your approach in the department?
As an administrative assistant, I have the opportunity to interact with a wide range of people. It is crucial for me to utilize the concepts of DEI to tailor my approach and to be better receptive to each person I interact with. Learning more about each individual and their differing cultures, races, religions, or backgrounds allows me to better relate to them despite the differences and foster a sense of belonging for us both. When creating these powerful connections between their identity and my own we may advantageously collaborate and innovate to our fullest potential, and that is where I find the most power.