New Staff Q&A with Danielle Carmichael, BA, Administrative Manager

Welcome to the Division of Ethics, Danielle! Who are you? 

My name is Danielle Carmichael, and I am from Brooklyn, New York. I have several years of experience working in healthcare and am now the Administrative Manager for the Division of Ethics, in which I will be supporting the division’s plethora of projects and programs.

What are you most excited about in joining the Division of Ethics? 

What drew me to the Division of Ethics was the opportunity to join such a collaborative and diverse team interested in tackling issues regarding health equity and policies or practices that affect vulnerable populations. As someone who has family that are members of multiple minority populations, it was important to me to support a team that furthers research and discussions in these areas.

What led you to this position, what was your academic/career trajectory?

In 2019, I graduated with a BA in Linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania. However, I have always had an interest in medicine and healthcare. After working a few years at Weill Cornell Medicine, I joined Columbia University, in the Department of Neurology, where I was able to learn more about the field of Bioethics. Having now joined the Division of Ethics, I’m hoping to learn more and use my background of language, and healthcare to carve a niche for myself in the future.

What is one bioethical issue or topic that interests you? 

How can we navigate between language and cultural barriers while providing treatments in healthcare? This topic is of particular interest to me as often times, patients do not have access to proper care as providers are unable to communicate with them.

Outside of work, what is something you are passionate about?

Fitness, anime, video games, and traveling. Outside of work, I am often either lifting weights in the gym, testing my Japanese skills while watching an anime, trying to beat a boss for the hundredth time or planning my next vacation spot!