Welcome to Equity Matters, a monthly newsletter from the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Equity Matters is distributed to faculty, staff, and students in the Duke University School of Medicine. In this issue, Lance Okeke, MD, MHS, from the Department of Medicine discusses his work in EDI. We also share recent EDI-related news stories, resources, and coming events.

EDI Spotlight: Lance Okeke, MD, MHS

In this month’s EDI Spotlight, Lance Okeke MD, MPH, associate professor of medicine, shares how he is preparing future clinicians and scientists interested in improving the lives of people living with HIV. He’s doing this work through his leadership in an innovative initiative for fellows and a program designed to increase interest in HIV science careers for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

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He also discusses his inspiration for engaging in initiatives focused on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, including current initiatives in his own division.

News and Resources

Equity Advancement Symposium to Feature Marcus Lambert, PhD

The keynote speaker for the 2024 Equity Advancement Symposium on August 5 is Marcus Lambert, PhD, associate vice president for research strategy and operations at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. Learn more about Lambert’s achievements and register for the symposium.

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Pankey Named Vice Chair for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for Duke Psychiatry

Assistant professor Tyson Pankey, PhD, MPH, has been named vice chair for equity, diversity, and inclusion for the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences. Since 2021, he has served as the associate program director of equity, diversity, and inclusion for all training programs within the department.

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Wilder Named Department of Medicine’s Vice Chair for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Julius M. Wilder, MD, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Gastroenterology and chair of the Department of Medicine Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (DEIAR) Committee, has been named as the department’s next vice chair of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

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¡DALHE! Names Its First Executive Sponsor

¡DALHE!, an employee resource group (ERG) serving university-wide employees who identify as Latino/a/x/é and/or Hispanic, has named Roberto Campos-Marquetti, JD, as its first executive sponsor. Campos-Marquetti is the assistant vice president of staff and labor relations at Duke. Executive sponsors are senior leaders who serve as advocates for the ERG across the university.

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Clayton Alfonso, MD: An Advocate for Gender-Affirming Care

Many LGBTQ+ patients have negative experiences while visiting their OB-GYN or are denied care because of their identity. Clayton Alfonso, MD, a Duke assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, hopes to change that as a provider and advocate for gender-affirming care.

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Creating Space in Surgery for Underrepresented in Medicine Medical Students

Underrepresented in medicine (URiM) populations face unique challenges across the surgical profession. Diversifying that pipeline was a primary driver behind the creation of the Advancing Student Preparedness & Involvement for Representation & Equity in Surgery (ASPIRES) program at Duke. The program provides first-year URiM medical students interested in surgery an opportunity to learn from and alongside Duke Surgery faculty mentors.

Eyler to Receive V Foundation Women Scientists Grant

Christine Eyler, MD, PhD, Butler Harris Assistant Professor in Radiation Oncology, is one of 15 scientists nationwide selected by the V Foundation for Cancer Research to receive funding from the “A Grant of Her Own: The Women Scientists Innovation Award for Cancer Research” program. The program is intended to promote equity within the science community and advance woman-led laboratories and research projects.

School of Medicine Joins National Effort to Foster Respectful Discourse in Medicine

Duke University School of Medicine has been selected to participate in a Kern National Network (KNN) for Flourishing in Medicine national demonstration project to advance open inquiry and respectful discourse in academic medicine. Its focus is finding innovative and effective ways to bridge differences and overcome polarization. The Duke task force will be led by Jane Gagliardi, MD; Melanie Bonner, PhD; Aditee Narayan, MD; and Joseph Jackson, MD, with input from the Office for Faculty; the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; and clinical education.

Duke CTSI Career Development Award Program Now Accepting Applications

Junior faculty are welcome to apply for the Duke CTSI Career Development Award. The mentored research career development program provides training and research opportunities for junior investigators. Individuals considering applying are strongly encouraged to submit a Letter of Intent by August 1 via MyResearchProposal.

Principles for Responsible AI in Medical School and Residency Selection

Medical schools and residency programs can advance toward more efficient, effective, fair, and informed selection processes by thoughtfully applying artificial intelligence (AI). To help schools and programs leverage AI tools to streamline their operations and promote equity, the AAMC developed six key principles to guide the design and use of AI-based selection systems.

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¡DALHE! Virtual Cafecito: Viviana Martinez Bianchi

July 26 • Noon-1 p.m.


Join the ¡DALHE! career committee for Virtual Cafecito, featuring Dr. Viviana Martinez Bianchi, associate professor and director of health equity in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. Virtual Cafecitos are an opportunity to create and maintain open dialogue for Duke Latiné/Hispanic staff and allies.

2024 Equity Advancement Symposium

August 5

Fitzpatrick CIEMAS


The 2024 Equity Advancement Symposium will feature keynote speaker, Marcus Lambert, PhD, from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. Sponsored by the IDEALS Office and the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

National Chats for Change: In the News

August 7


Join colleagues from Mt. Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine to critically deconstruct a current newsworthy topic related to racism and bias in medicine and medical education.

A New Life's Journey: Abstract Paintings by Eduardo Lapetina (¡DALHE! Event)

August 20 - October 30

Duke Eye Center Concourse Gallery


Visit the Duke Eye Center Concourse Gallery to view an art exhibit featuring abstract paintings by artist Eduardo Lapetina. This event is organized in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15). Brought to you by ¡DALHE! (Duke Advancing Latiné/Hispanic Excellence).

2024 Duke Health Forum

Health & Equity: Environmental Awakening

August 26 • Noon-1:15 p.m.

Great Hall, Trent Semans Center


State, federal, and international leaders discuss how governments, organizations, and the private sector are facing and dealing with the environmental impacts on our health, well-being, and livelihood. Free and open to the public. Lunch provided to registered attendees.

Hispanic Women/Latinas in Medicine: Critical Needs for Empowerment and Transformation in Practice 2024

September 13-15

Scottsdale, Arizona


Through insightful discussions, attendees acquire a deep understanding of the unique challenges encountered by Hispanic/Latina women in medicine and learn effective strategies to overcome them. Hosted by Mayo Clinic.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Duke Pasado & Perspectiva/Duke Past & Perspective

September 16 • 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Great Hall, Trent Semans Center


Duke SOM employee resource group, ¡DALHE!, invites the Duke community for this Duke Centennial event recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month. Featuring a panel discussion on the future of Latiné/Hispanic leaders with Rosa Gonzalez-Guarda, PhD; Cecilia Márquez, PhD; and Norma Martí, BA.

Save the Date: Pride: Durham, NC

September 28


Mark your calendar for Pride: Durham, NC, the annual series of special programs for celebrating community, history, activism, & PRIDE of LGBTQ+ people in Durham and across the state.

Visit the Duke Events Calendar for a listing of EDI events across campus

medschool.duke.edu/EDI

For questions or story suggestions, email the EDI Team

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