12/10/2018
Our beautiful Dr. Brenda Armstrong left us this past Sunday. Objectively, she lived from 1949-2018. But if you ask us, what she accomplished in those 69 years has left her with a legacy among the lives of so many youth, trainees, physicians and families.
Dr. Armstrong was a leader in the Allen Building Takeover in 1969, and became the second black woman in the United States to earn board certification as a pediatric cardiologist. In addition, she served within the School of Medicine for more than 20 years, transforming the face of the admissions process as Dean of Admissions.
She always gave us the gentle reminder that we have been given the most precious task imaginable-maintaining the health of the people in our community and advocating for those who can not advocate for themselves. She instilled in us the power behind learning a patient’s biology and biography simultaneously. Her 5 ft stature strolled these hallways with grace, poise and dignity. Our heads raised when she entered a room and when she spoke, tears of joy, encouragement and purpose filled our eyes. She IS the true epitome of raising the minority voice when it is neither easy, convenient or fashionable.
The voice and spirit of Dr. Armstrong will continue to carry us through every exam we take, every patient encounter we have and every sound of activism that we sing.
One of our favorite quotes from her: “Alright now, getting a seat at the table is just as much of a RESPONSIBILITY as it is an OPPORTUNITY!”
Duke SNMA would like to thank everyone for all of the texts, emails and letters of love and support that has been sent over the past week.
Rest in Power Dr. Brenda Armstrong.
In Solidarity, Duke SNMA
