Xerxeser Kayode

Posted in Staff Spotlight

March 10, 2022

Name

Xerxeser Kayode, MHA, BSN, RN

Title

Program Coordinator, Department of Family Medicine

How long have you worked at GUMC?

Six years

What led you to your position here at GUMC?

I initially worked in the Department of Neurology as a junior financial administrator and came across a Family Medicine Grand Rounds presentation flyer on maternal and child health, which really aligned with my other professional and personal areas of interest. An opportunity arose to apply for the clerkship position in Family Medicine, and I have enjoyed working in an academic learning environment ever since!

In your role, how do you interact with the GUMC community?

I primarily engage with medical students, faculty and staff. I also serve as a member of the Medical Student Life Advisory Committee, a Harley Society pre-clinical advisor, and a staff representative on the Racial Justice Curriculum Reform Subcommittee of the Racial Justice Committee for Change.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I feel absolutely blessed to have the opportunity to be surrounded by students who are passionate and so very much invested in the medical specialty of their choice, and staff and faculty who are supporting their journey along the way! I enjoy building relationships with our DMV and out-of-state medical community to enhance the learning environment for our students. I am also thankful that I have the opportunity to continually learn in this space to support, to advocate and to uplift efforts of our medical students, faculty and staff in cultivating a work and learning environment of diversity, equity and inclusion.

What is a skill you have that might surprise people?

I love to bake traditional Guyanese pastries, and if I ever have the opportunity to model again I would do it in a heartbeat.

What did you learn about yourself as a professional during the pandemic?

Practicing ergonomics is important in the home, too! To “step away from the computer screen! It’s going to be OK!” I allowed myself to embrace change, to be patient, to go with the flow and to be creative. I also realized that being solution-focused is great, but taking a second look at that root cause can allow a vision or an idea to go a lot further. I also felt that it was important to find time to remain meaningfully connected with family and friends at a time when their physical presence was desired!

What do you like to do in your free time?

Volunteer; watch the sunset from a few of my favorite parks in the DMV area; take my daughter to the park when it’s nice outside; connect with family and friends.

What is your greatest achievement (personal or professional)?

Personally, becoming a mother. Professionally, completing my Master of Science in Health Systems Administration at Georgetown while expecting, working full time and graduating from the program during the height of the pandemic; also passing my Registered Nursing Licensing Examination

What is the best lesson you have learned from working at GUMC?

I have learned that I do belong; that we are a resilient community. The students here at Georgetown, from what I’ve witnessed within the past couple of years, have absolutely amazed me. In the midst of their studies, their voice and will for change have rocked the GUMC community for the better, and it’s really an example of community and cura personalis at its best!