Asian-American & Pacific Islanders Heritage Month
May 25, 2022
By: Mark Ralston
Categories: Colleague Stories
Personal perspectives from two members of the St. Mary’s family
In honor of Asian-American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month, we want to share perspectives offered by Dr. Andrew Ke, a hospitalist who also completed his Residency at St. Mary’s, and registered nurse Tess Pottier, Clinical Coordinator for Interventional Radiology.
Dr. Andrew Ke
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today and why is that important?
I am half Cambodian and half Filipino. I was born in Atlanta, but as a second-generation immigrant, I always knew how blessed and privileged I was to grow up here in the States. I understood how hard my parents worked to make it here, and that perspective is something and I never take for granted.
I grew up with values and morals that prioritized family and community. The saying "it takes a village" most certainly applies to our heritage and culture. This same principle in evident in other areas of my life, including my St. Mary's and Trinity Health family.
Please share the extraordinary contribution(s) you want to highlight?
I want to highlight my mom, Delia Ke. She immigrated to Atlanta in the 1980s after she had just finished nursing school. She wanted to take advantage of the opportunity here in America not only to make a better life for herself but also to position herself to give back to her family back in the Philippines.
I remember when I started med school, she instilled in me how important it was to be nice, respectful, and cordial with nurses and ancillary staff. She was right, as our nurses most certainly helped me get through med school and residency training successfully!
What advice do you have for other AAPI aspiring health care professionals?
There are certainly times when stereotypes and prejudice can rear their ugly heads. Especially with the social climate of awareness in recent years, I see how upsetting it can be. However, I like to look at these moments of ignorance as learning opportunities for whoever is behind the misdeed. Where there is darkness, it can be an opportunity to shed light. Where there is chaos, it can be an opportunity to offer stillness. Show and prove your competence with your actions! At the end of the day, I choose to look at these negative moments as minor inconveniences, at best.
Tess Pottier, RN
What advice do you have for other AAPI aspiring health care professionals?
As representatives of the AAPI community in healthcare, we must be aware of who we are in our unique and diverse identity. Ingrained in our culture are strong values combined with a determination to succeed. But AAPI often is viewed as submissive and obedient. This general perception of being a “model minority” does real damage.
We need to continue to strive to be seen as individuals instead of a stereotype. Our voice is unique, our contribution is essential to the success of our team and society in general. You are as good as you think you are, therefore, dream and aim high. Get involved with networking through professional organizations and community outreach initiatives. Establish mentors. A trusted friend is invaluable, especially to those who are establishing themselves in this new homeland. And lastly, an attitude of gratitude and positivity can always save a day!
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today and why is that important?
Filipino culture is synonymous with high regard for our elders. This is evident in the custom of “Mano po” – when children and young adults take the right hand of their elders and touch their forehead with it as a sign of respect. My formative years were centered on close family ties, reunions, and holidays according to the Catholic Church calendar.
All are entwined with the love of art, music, dancing, and food that comes from the Spanish influence on Filipino culture. Respect and dignity for human life is embedded in the blueprint of my value system, and as a nurse of 32 years, I have gravitated to hospitals with affirmations of similar faith. I have thrived in my calling as a nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens because of how this place makes me feel and as an extension of my family-based values. I consider my workplace my second home for 26 years.
How can we increase the representation of AAPIs in our ministries to help advance health equity?
I believe this change must be championed and driven primarily by leaders. They play an important role in ensuring that diversity, equity and inclusion are advanced throughout all aspects of our healthcare system. Leaders must be culturally competent, observe the overall dynamics of the whole team, and create “psychological safety” in the workplace. Leaders can identify a sponsor and establish an employee resource group for AAPIs to enable networking opportunities and cultural sharing. These opportunities will optimize talent diversity through career growth and development. Diversity, to be a vehicle of change, must be inclusive and equitable to the AAPI community. This must be the ultimate and common goal that we all share.
Learn more about career opportunities at St. Mary’s.