Good Morning Colleagues,

Nearing the conclusion of this momentous election cycle, I want to recognize and reflect on the great respect our Duke Health community showed to one another as we awaited the results.

This year was marked by greater levels of engagement and record numbers of voters, more than ever before. People from all walks of life, with many different points of view, made their voices heard by stepping forward to debate the issues and voting to shape the future of our government and democracy. We have to appreciate that in politics we must honor differences as no result is ever unanimous. Varying perspectives will always exist in our national conversation, and that is as it should be. Whether the results of this year’s election left you joyful, disheartened, or somewhere in between, we encourage you to stay engaged.

Here at Duke, we are fortunate to be represented by a gifted team of policy advocates who, while mindful of politics, partner well with representatives of all parties and find common ground on the issues that matter most to our organization and the communities we serve. These colleagues show us how best to engage in the political arena in ways that respect diverse viewpoints and interests. You are encouraged to attend a post-election briefing tomorrow, Nov. 10, at 12 p.m., to learn more from this team.

This forward-looking session will remind us of the many opportunities we have before us to make a difference. And this is where I ask you to place your focus now — on the future. The work you do to teach, to research, to care for patients and to support each other could not be more crucial than it is today.   

Thank you for all you do to make this world a better place, every day.  

A. Eugene Washington, M.D.
Chancellor for Health Affairs, Duke University
President and CEO, Duke University Health System