Physician Profile: Joel Morgenlander, MD, Wears His Heart on His Lapel
Joel Morgenlander, MD, Duke professor of neurology, loves his work, his students, and his lapel pins.
What’s the story behind the lapel pins?
Morgenlander: I wear them every day because they show the world my true colors. The Blue Devil I started wearing when I was a resident at Duke, and I still wear it because it reminds me to bring my Duke best every day. The apple for the teacher was given to me as a gesture of thanks by this year’s graduating resident class. And the ladybug I’ve worn since my daughter’s first day of kindergarten. I gave her one just like it that day so she could remember her family was rooting for her.
Joel Morgenlander, MDYour work with your students is very important to you.
Morgenlander: When you start out in a career in academic medicine, you have to decide how you want to spend your time. I wanted to be a resident program director and help the people who would go out and help others. I think we all underestimate our impact on others. If you believe in what you’re doing, you’ll make a difference even larger than you can imagine.
In what other ways have you endeavored to make a difference?
Morgenlander: I served as the first chair of the Consortium of Neurology Program Directors through the American Academy of Neurology, ran the first Neurology Program Directors Boot Camp through the Association of University Professors of Neurology, and participate in many local and national committees and groups dedicated to neurological education.
What’s the best thing about working with residents?
Morgenlander: I couldn’t imagine a group of more thoughtful, energetic, and smart people to be around. Our faculty take mentoring our house staff seriously and want to help each resident understand where he or she wants to be and how to get there. After my wife and four kids, the people I work with at Duke are my second family.
Duke Neurology faculty, residents, and staff work together in state-of-the-art facilities to provide exceptional care for patients with neurological disorders.
To request an appointment with Duke Neurology, call 888-ASK-DUKE (888-275-3853).
