EDI News

Creating programs to improve diversity in educational programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) can at times be like pushing a boulder up a mountain only to have it roll back down, forcing leaders to start over from scratch. But the way to achieve lasting change lies in putting fewer resources into fixing students and instead focusing on changing systems. That’s according to David Asai, PhD, keynote speaker at Duke University School of Medicine’s inaugural Equity Advancement Symposium.  

Duke Health is working to rebuild trust in health care by partnering with pillars of the Black community: A.M.E. Zion pastors who have long been pivotal in the struggle for justice, equality, and civil rights. Partnering with pastors makes sense—after all, they’re in the healing business too.  

Fourth-year medical student Mary Moya-Mendez, MS, MHS, shares what motivated her to get involved with a Duke University School of Medicine organization aimed at helping students with a first generation and/or low income (FGLI) background navigate medical school.

In the spirit of celebrating Pride 365, Whicker offers tips for how you can make a difference for LGBTQI+ people at Duke as well as resources for people interested in further learning.

Recent master’s graduate and MD student Sonali Biswas is hoping to improve health outcomes for transgender teenagers through qualitative research.

The EDI Spotlight for June 2023 shines on Dane Whicker, Director of Gender and Sexual Diversity Initiatives for the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Duke University School of Medicine’s Black Employee Resource Group, ME², held its second annual Juneteenth celebration on June 15. ME² stands for Motivate, Mentor, Educate, & Empower.

Sharena Ballard-Hart is the Senior Program Coordinator and HR Manager for the Brain Imaging and Analysis Center (BIAC). She also serves as the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Leader for BIAC.

Medical students Lily Guo and Linda Li each had different experiences before coming to Duke, but an affinity group for Asian American students gave them both a sense of belonging that they said they could not have found elsewhere.  

Duke’s chapter of the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) is a student-run organization aimed at fostering a sense of community among the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) student population at Duke University School of Medicine.  

The Michelle P. Winn Awards honor individuals and teams who exemplified inclusive excellence over the past year. Each year, Winn Awards are given to one staff member, faculty member, student, and team from across the more than 10,000 members of the School of Medicine.