Inside Duke Medicine

Physical therapy aide supervisor retires after 39 years of service

Bernell Williams, physical therapy aide supervisor in the Adult Inpatient Division of the Department of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy, retired after 39 years of outstanding service at Duke University Hospital.

The department hosted a retirement party July 14, during which time more than 50 co-workers, family members and friends gathered to honor and thank Williams for almost four decades of dedicated service. Bernell, affectionately nicknamed “B,” also received a retirement gift from the department.

Williams began working at Duke in 1972 in the Department of Physical Therapy, and has stayed with PT ever since. “My biggest passion in life is helping people,” said Williams, who assisted therapists with mobility, wound care, gait training, exercise interventions and ambulation.

Williams used song as a way to touch his patients.

“I like to sing gospel to my patients,” said Williams. “A word in a song can change a life or help a patient through a hard time.” A rewarding part of the job, Williams said, “is seeing a response from a patient and knowing that I was a part of their care at Duke.”

“Bernell has a gift of knowing exactly what a patient needs to motivate them to get better,” said Kathleen Caldwell, B.S., PT, who worked closely with Williams for 16 years in the area of wound care. “Bernell is a perfect gentleman,” Caldwell says, “with the right balance of compassion and encouragement to energize and empower patients.”

Dan Dore, PT, DPT, MPA, director of the Department of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy, took a moment during the party to speak about the impact Williams has had during his time at Duke. Dore spoke of Bernell’s consistent excellence. “Bernell always offers a smile,” said Dore, “He is always willing to lend a hand, and welfare is always his primary concern.”

Kevin Sowers, RN, MSN, president of Duke University Hospital, paid Bernell a visit at the retirement celebration to thank him on behalf of Duke Hospital and all the patients Williams has served and the lives he has touched.

Williams leaves a legacy of compassion toward patients and unwavering professionalism.