DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
In Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity, we celebrate and support difference rather than just accepting it. Each member contributes to inclusion and our culture is the result of our commitment and collaboration. As current and future physicians, we believe every person and patient should be treated with equity and respect. We are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, marital status, military service, veteran status, age, non-disqualifying disability, religious preference, sexual orientation, ethnic or national origin.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Black History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the achievements, culture, and history of African Americans, recognizing their contributions and the ongoing impact they have on society. It highlights stories of resilience, innovation, and excellence across many fields, including healthcare, where many influential medical professionals of color have made lasting contributions. This Black History Month, we took time to learn about these inspiring individuals and their impact on the medical field, while also celebrating the rich culture behind the history.
We enjoyed exploring and appreciating the culture through community, meaningful conversations, and delicious foods!
Ramadan is a holy month in Islam during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. It’s a time for prayer, reflection, charity, and self-discipline, commemorating the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.
At sunset, the fast is broken with a meal called iftar. Typical foods include dates (traditionally eaten first), soups like lentil soup, rice dishes, grilled meats, bread, and sweets such as baklava or kunafa. Before dawn, a pre-fast meal called suhoor often includes lighter foods like eggs, yogurt, fruit, and bread.
We learned about topics encompassing Ramadan and tried a variety of dishes in the meal iftar!
RAMADAN
DIWALI
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights is one of the most celebrated festivals in Hinduism. This vibrant festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Families come together to decorate their homes with colorful rangoli, illuminate them with oil lamps, exchange sweets and gifts, and this diwali our PhiDE phamily came together to do the same!
We enjoyed decorating some diyas, indian clay pots, light some sparklers, ate samosas, potato cutlets, gulab jamun, chai, and other delicious Indian food!
DIA DE MUERTOS
Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant Mexican holiday that celebrates the lives of those who have passed away. This colorful fiesta, filled with marigolds, sugar skulls, and altars, honors the memory of loved ones through joyful remembrance. It’s a time for reflection, love, and connection, as communities come together to celebrate life and death in a beautiful, heartfelt manner. Families gather to share stories, food, and music, creating a lively atmosphere that bridges the gap between the living and the deceased., and this Dia De Los Meurtos, our PhiDE phamily did the same!
We enjoyed some esquite, a mexican street corn, decorated an altar with papel picado and photo frames, and shared some fun stories!
MID AUTUMN FESTIVAL
The Mid-Autumn Festival (AKA The Moon Festival) is a time of reunion and gratitude celebrated by families across many cultures. As the full moon shines brightly in the sky, it symbolizes unity and harmony. People gather to enjoy mooncakes, share stories, and admire the beauty of the moon, reflecting on the blessings of the past year. Festive occasion is a joyful reminder of the importance of family ties and the beauty of nature, and this moon festival, our phide phamily did the same!
We decorates lanterns, ate shangai style moon cakes with pickles cucumbers, bokchoy salad, and fried rice!
Husvét, or Hungarian Easter is a vibrant celebration filled with tradition and joy, marking the arrival of spring and renewal. Families come together to honor customs, such as dyeing eggs and partaking in festive meals, as they reflect on the significance of this special time. The sound of laughter and the warmth of togetherness fill the air as loved ones share stories and create lasting memories. This Easter, our phide phamily embraced thus cherished tradition by celebrating the beauty of unity and spring!
We made himes tojas (traditional eggs) and mezeskalacs (decorative cookies) while learning about the origins of the holiday and its traditions. We also read poems for locsolkodas (Easter sprinkling) and learned some traditional dances!
HUSVÉT
HOLI
Holi is a vibrant celebration of colors and joy, welcoming the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Families and friends come together to honor this by throwing colored powders, sharing delicious sweets, and dancing, all while reflecting on the significance of love and unity. The air is filled with laughter and the spirit of togetherness as loved ones create cherished memories and embrace the beauty of diversity.
This Holi, our PhiDE phamily celebrated the arrival of spring by playing with colors!