If you were to ask any one person in a room, I bet you that everyone would have a different definition of what diversity means to that person—some along the same lines and for others, maybe not so much. Something I think we should all think about, however, is what types of diversity do we bring to the table? What makes you unique? What are you proud of?
So, I thought I’d share a little bit about how I see myself and what I hope to do. I believe I bring a myriad of diversity characteristics to the table. As a 28-year-old first generation Asian Indian female with a mixed Hispanic cultural background growing up in rural Mississippi with limited access to healthcare and parents working blue collar jobs to make ends meet, I have faced adversity, racism, and bias in many different forms—gender bias, age bias, socioeconomic bias, and so much more. For many years, I suppressed my joy and personality out of fear of being outcast and not accepted. However, these lived experiences have shaped the person I am today. Today, I celebrate that my genuine attitude, ambition, outgoing personality, and inspiring energy motivates and empowers others to make positive change. I feel my educational and work experiences in social media, marketing, blogging, administration, organized medicine, and residency brings a unique perspective—one of value that will generate engagement, ideas, and solutions to create more equitable and healthier communities. I truly feel that I move medicine by striving to improve the culture of medicine—one of compassion and one of equity. I am committed to producing quality outcomes with a positive attitude and encouraging a sense of unity to make a difference and exhibit the value of true community by breaking down barriers to provide optimal health for all. I hope to continue working toward becoming an amazing psychiatrist, patient advocate, and servant leader in my community.
What diversity characteristics do you feel you bring to the table?
Thoughts from a psychiatry resident physician,
Dr. AKP
