From Drawing Blood to Drawing Cheers as Duke Football Honorary Employee Captain
Praised in nearly two dozen nominations, Duke phlebotomist James Hinton Jr. will represent the spirit of Duke employees when the Blue Devils face Virginia on Nov. 15
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As the honorary employee captain, Hinton will receive access to the field before the game, a Duke football T-shirt, a behind-the-scenes seat at one of Coach Manny Diaz’s news conferences, and bragging rights.
In all, 66 staff and faculty members were nominated by peers to be this year’s employee captain. The strong field featured stories of employees with generous spirits, strong passion for their work and deep connections to Duke.
Hinton received nearly two dozen nominations from colleagues, praising his positive attitude, willingness to help his coworkers and congenial rapport with the patients who pass through the clinic.
“He is the definition of our culture and people feel that the moment they walk through the door,” Duke Signature Care Clinical Nurse Cathy Leathers wrote in her nomination of Hinton. “James lives our core values. He is a role model for our staff in the way that he treats everyone, be they patient or staff, in a respectful way.”
Duke Executive Health Clinical Social Worker Anna Kirby said in her nomination: “James brings each one of Duke’s values to his work and it shows in his relationships with team members and patients. James treats everyone with dignity, kindness and respect. He is friendly, professional and, as a phlebotomist, gives the most pain free stick I’ve ever had, and I fear needles.”
Hinton’s medical experience began in the early 1990s, when he served as a specialist in the U.S. Army. Beyond just the skills he learned as a medic, Hinton, now 54, credits that experience for teaching him about teamwork, accountability and how to relate to people from a wide range of backgrounds.
According to the several colleagues who wrote how much they enjoy working with him, Hinton’s ability to connect with colleagues remains strong.
“I just want to be somebody that people want to work with,” Hinton said. “I will joke that I’m like the ultimate side dish. I’m like rice, I go with all the meals. I can go with steak, chicken, everything. I blend well. I’m a people person. There’s nobody I couldn’t talk to.”
Hinton’s Duke Football fandom goes back to when he was growing up in Danville, Virginia. He had family members who received care at Duke University Hospital, and he took a liking to the Blue Devils teams he saw compete on the football field and basketball court.
That reverence has continued into adulthood where he takes pride in caring for Duke patients.
“I really appreciate being part of a team that makes a difference,” Hinton said. “I love being here. It’s a first class organization that looks out for people. I love being able to help people, and we get to do that every day. That means a lot. It’s special.”
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