Breakout Thinkers
Stephane Degraff,
Psych MD
What was your path to mental healthcare?
Being from Haiti, I was no stranger to Healthcare in general as my mother worked as a pediatrician and a Public Health Director with the WHO. I unfortunately saw too many tragedies, whether men-made or natural (insecurity, kidnappings and gun violence, Political unrest and instability, earthquake, hurricane and floodings...). Despite all the Healthcare limitations in Haiti, I never lost the motivation to pursue a career in Medicine, and my interest in mental health and wellness grew more and more after each tragedy the Haitian people would face. Due to cultural belief and lack of education, Mental Illness is largely a foreign concept to the Haitian Population, which is one of the reasons why I developed an interest during my Psychiatry Residency in the advocacy for Cultural Competency as well as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Mental Healthcare.
How will this scholarship help you?
Having the opportunity to meet mentors have been incredibly helpful to date. Every chance I get to be exposed to brilliant minds and pillars of the profession is an opportunity to learn and be a well-rounded psychiatrist myself. At the Psych Congress, I am certain there will plenty of opportunities to meet experienced psychiatrists, trailblazers and inspirational leaders and to further my knowledge, not only in psychopharmacology, but also in carrying for every individual equitably with the help of the new advanced in the profession.
What are your academic and/or career goals?
To continue growing as a current Chief Resident. To leave a positive impact on the culture at my current institution and anywhere else I may be affiliated with in the future. To contribute and excel as a member of the current Committees I am part of: Ethics Committee, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Chief Residents Committee. In the future, I wish to continue advancing the work of current Sports Psychiatrists and continue to advocate for all athlete at all levels, to benefit from a tailored psychopharmacological approach.
What does “exceptional patient care” mean to you?
To me, "Exceptional Patient Care" is, not only to meet our patients' expectations, but to also foster a partnership with them, empowering them with knowledge so they can be active stakeholders in their own care. It is to respect every patient's cultural background, to continue being curious but respectful and understanding, to always keep the patients' best interests in mind and at heart, and to advocate for them as a member of their multidisciplinary providers group.