Introducing Basile Njei, MD, MPH, PhD, of the Section of Digestive Diseases in the Department of Internal Medicine.
What does diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you personally?
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core principles that should guide the moral values of every individual. These principles are not passing trends but a profound call to our shared humanity, encouraging us to rise above inherent biases and work toward a more just and equitable society. My personal journey highlights the transformative impact of diversity. Born and raised in Africa, I earned my medical degree in Cameroon and then pursued a Master of Public Health degree in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. I completed my residency in the United States at UConn and a Gastroenterology Fellowship at Yale. I also completed the Yale PhD in Investigative Medicine and Harvard Global Clinical Scholar programs. In January 2024, I was honored to receive a DEI Supplement Award from the US Veterans Affairs to study disparities in lean vs. non-lean individuals with steatotic liver disease using artificial intelligence-based imaging and genetic data. My understanding of DEI is deeply layered, touching on emotional, psychological, pragmatic, and societal aspects.
Why do you value diversity?
I strongly believe that a diversity of perspectives, cultures, and experiences enriches and strengthens our communities. It nurtures compassion, empathy, and open-mindedness, helping to dismantle implicit biases and promote mutual respect. Diversity fosters cross-cultural connections, allowing us to see one another as fellow human beings who share common emotions and aspirations for success across different aspects of life. My background has profoundly deepened my appreciation for the beauty and strength found in diversity. I feel a moral responsibility to advocate for inclusion and diversity in every facet of life.
Why should an academic setting be equal and inclusive?
Academic institutions must prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to create a climate that fosters the exchange of ideas, drives innovation, and advances the pursuit of knowledge. A diverse and inclusive environment ensures that every individual feels valued, respected, and has equal opportunities to contribute to their field. The need for equitable representation is particularly evident in the face of significant health disparities affecting marginalized communities. For instance, Black Americans face higher risks for colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and hepatitis C virus infection. A diverse academic workforce, especially in medicine, is crucial for addressing these disparities and developing effective interventions. By embracing DEI, academic institutions can play a pivotal role in promoting a more equitable and just society. Emotionally, DEI fosters a sense of virtue in an academic setting. Psychologically, it cultivates acceptance, belonging, visibility, and the assurance that people are truly heard, rather than superficially judged, reinforcing our shared humanity. From a pragmatic standpoint, DEI promotes equitable opportunities for all in an academic setting like Yale, regardless of past circumstances, and supports the pursuit of excellence without barriers. It also seeks to address and correct centuries of systemic injustices. On a societal level, the movement for DEI is fundamentally grounded in the pursuit of justice.
Why are you on the diversity committee?
I am on the diversity committee because I believe deeply in the transformative power of diversity, equity, and inclusion. My own experiences, growing up in Cameroon, pursuing education across three continents, and working in diverse environments, have shown me firsthand how varied perspectives and backgrounds can enrich communities and lead to more innovative and effective solutions. Being on the committee allows me to contribute to creating spaces where everyone feels valued, heard, and respected. I see it as a moral responsibility to advocate for inclusion and to help dismantle barriers that prevent people from reaching their full potential. I am committed to fostering an environment where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated, and where equity and inclusion are integral to our collective success.
What changes have you noticed in the department?
I’ve noticed several positive changes in the department, particularly in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion. There's been a stronger emphasis on creating a more inclusive environment, with initiatives that encourage open dialogue about DEI issues. This has fostered a greater sense of belonging among team members, making the department more cohesive and collaborative. Additionally, there's been a noticeable increase in the diversity of perspectives being represented, whether in meetings, decision-making processes, or project teams. This has led to more innovative solutions and a broader range of ideas being considered. The department has also made strides in providing equitable opportunities for professional development and advancement, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and support they need to succeed. Overall, these changes have contributed to a more supportive and dynamic work environment, where diversity is seen as a strength and inclusion is a shared responsibility.
What do you look forward to most with these efforts?
I am thrilled to contribute to the ongoing efforts to cultivate a more equitable and inclusive environment within the Department of Medicine and Graduate Medical Education (GME). I am particularly eager to focus on: Mentoring and Supporting Underrepresented Groups: Developing comprehensive mentoring programs to support junior faculty, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine (URiM) and women. Building Pathways to Academia: Strengthening partnerships with community organizations and educational institutions to enhance access to Yale for students from diverse backgrounds. Advocating for Equity and Inclusion: Ensuring that the department's Diversity Committee plays a significant role in shaping policies and practices. As an African American with a background in a historically disadvantaged field, I am deeply committed to advancing health equity and increasing representation in medicine. My involvement with the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists has further reinforced the importance of diversity and cultural sensitivity in healthcare. By supporting DEI initiatives and advocating for diverse representation, we can help create a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system that benefits everyone.
What I look forward to most with these efforts is the continued growth of a truly inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. I’m excited about the potential for increased collaboration and innovation that naturally arises when diverse voices are actively engaged in the conversation. I also anticipate seeing the long-term impact of these efforts on individual and collective success—whether it’s in the form of more equitable opportunities for career advancement, improved team dynamics, or the creation of solutions that better reflect the needs of all communities we serve. Ultimately, I look forward to being part of a department where diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just goals, but ingrained values that drive everything we do.
The Department of Internal Medicine’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Internal Medicine knows that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to our mission; that providing a safe, welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds results in beneficial diversity of thought; and believes that having a diverse team enhances our ability to provide excellent clinical care, research, and medical education.