Episode 6: What to Know about the Duffy Gene

What Is the Duffy Gene? Dr. Thomas Rashad Easley Shares His Personal Health Journey In this powerful episode of the Curated Clinical Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Thomas Rashad Easley, environmental justice scholar, author, and advocate, to discuss his personal experience being diagnosed with the Duffy Gene, a genetic trait that is common among people of African ancestry but often misunderstood in healthcare settings. Dr. Easley shares how he first learned about his diagnosis, the questions it raised, and why understanding genetic differences matters for Black communities. Together, we explore the science behind the Duffy Gene, its connection to lower white blood cell counts, and how it can sometimes lead to unnecessary medical concerns when healthcare providers are unfamiliar with this common genetic variation. This conversation highlights the importance of health equity, genetic awareness, and ensuring that medical research and clinical care reflect the diversity of the populations they serve. Dr. Easley also discusses the broader implications of representation in healthcare, the need for culturally responsive medicine, and how patients can advocate for themselves when navigating complex medical information. Whether you're interested in genetics, Black health, clinical research, or simply learning how biology and identity intersect, this episode offers valuable insights and practical knowledge. In this episode, you'll learn: What the Duffy Gene is and why it is common among people of African descent How Duffy-associated neutrophil counts can be misinterpreted in healthcare settings Dr. Easley's personal experience receiving his diagnosis Why diversity in clinical research and medicine matters How patients can become stronger advocates for their own health At Curated Clinical, we believe that trusted health information should be accessible, culturally relevant, and rooted in community voices. Our mission is to bridge the gap between science and the public by sharing real stories, expert insights, and evidence-based information that empowers Black and Brown communities to make informed health decisions. Keywords: Duffy Gene, Duffy-null trait, benign ethnic neutropenia, Black health, African ancestry genetics, health equity, clinical research, genetics podcast, healthcare disparities, personalized medicine, Curated Clinical podcast, Dr. Thomas Rashad Easley, community health education, minority health, patient advocacy.