Capital District Times

When Monika Prifti joined Albany Medical Center three years ago, she was eager to improve her language skills as a recent immigrant from Albania. She found support through the center's English as a New Language classes offered on-site for immigrants like herself. "My teacher’s guidance and encouragement have not only helped me improve my language skills but also be a better communicator in my work," Prifti said.

Prifti expressed her appreciation for the supportive environment at Albany Med, stating, "Albany Med is not just a workplace to me. It’s a big family that supports each other, helps each other, and celebrates our achievements. I am truly happy and proud to be part of it."

Her colleague Shobha Gautam shared similar sentiments about working at Albany Medical Center after moving from Nepal over a decade ago with her family. "Being here, working here, this is a dream," Gautam said.

James Brisbin, ESL teacher and manager of the hospital’s Aramark Career Center, emphasized the opportunities available at Albany Medical Center: “You can achieve almost anything here. I’m proud of the fact that Albany Medical Center has opened its arms to so many.”

The workforce at Albany Medical Center is diverse, comprising employees from 80 different countries across various demographics. This diversity aligns with the center's commitment to inclusivity and enhancing patient care throughout the Albany Med Health System.

Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group recognized these efforts by naming Albany Medical Center one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024. Forbes also acknowledged it as one of New York State's best employers based on employee satisfaction surveys.

Boahema Pinto, MD, dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Albany Medical College, highlighted how diversity among staff benefits patient interactions: “With our workforce continuously becoming more and more representative of our patients, it is easier for all members of our community to feel welcome.” Dr. Pinto also leads initiatives aimed at increasing workforce diversity and inclusion within the medical college.

Programs such as EMmersion Bootcamp introduce high school students from underrepresented communities to career options in medicine. Nearly 100 students have participated over four years, some returning as interns or shadowing specific roles.

Dr. Pinto noted the impact of these programs: “Many of these students have never thought of themselves as being able to be doctors or nurses or other health care professionals.”

Partnerships with local organizations help expand recruitment efforts while building trust within communities traditionally hesitant about seeking care.

The collaboration between Albany Medical Center and The Center for Disability Services (CFDS) ensured individuals with intellectual disabilities were prioritized during Covid-19 vaccinations. Additionally, medical students engage in experiential learning through CFDS programs.

Charles M. Day emphasized community engagement: “Speaking with kids and families...we’re showing residents that we aren’t just in their community; we are part of their community.”

Albany Medical Center also partnered with local barbershops to reach Black men regarding hypertension awareness—a disease affecting 55 percent of Black adults—demonstrating their commitment to improving health outcomes through outreach initiatives.

“By meeting people where they are...we can start critical dialogues about health,” Day said.