H E A LT H CA R E
02
DIVERSITY
The GI Procedures Unit at UNC Hospitals is one of the most diverse areas within our
Hospital system. In 2010 when they decided to participate in the UNCH Multi-Cultural
Fair, Mila Kwak gathered some information about her co-workers. At that point there were
staff members from more than twenty countries, speaking more than 17 languages. Since
many patients who seek diagnosis and treatment at this unit are also from outside the
U.S., the diversity of languages spoken increases the ability to communicate with patients.
“Patients want to have the care, but they feel so alone where nobody knows, or speaks
their own language. Meeting someone like me, or my staff, that has similarities to them,
makes them feel even more comfortable with the care we give.”
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