Welcome to Equity Matters, a monthly newsletter from the Office of Equity, Diversity and InclusionEquity Matters is distributed to faculty, staff, and students in the Duke University School of Medicine. In this issue, Griffin Carter, a PhD candidate, discusses the importance of diversity in the sciences. We also share recent EDI-related news stories, resources, and coming events.

EDI Spotlight: Griffin Carter

Griffin Carter has been involved with the BioCoRE program for several years, crediting the program with being an integral part of his success as a PhD candidate in the Molecular Genetics and Microbiology program at Duke. BioCoRE’s mission is to increase diversity in the biosciences, and Griffin doesn’t take his role lightly as a leader helping to recruit future scientists into the program.

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In this month’s EDI Spotlight, Carter discusses the importance of diversity in the sciences, which he says propels new therapies and is essential to finding solutions to medical problems. He also shares how through his research, he’s working to give hope to people with a deadly brain cancer. And we learn about his love of cooking, painting, and helping friends find relief from the stressors of graduate school.

News and Resources

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Symposium Spotlights Excellence and Challenges in Expanding Diversity in STEM

Faculty, students, and staff from across Duke came together for conversations on the intersection of science and equity, diversity, and inclusion at Duke University School of Medicine’s second annual Equity Advancement Symposium on August 5.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15-October 15. The ¡DALHE! Employee Resource Group is hosting several events during the month to celebrate the culture, history, and contributions of Latiné/Hispanic individuals. Click to register for the events, and please share them with your colleagues.

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Welcome 2024 Incoming Classes

More than 630 students from across the country and around the world began their health professions careers at the School of Medicine this month. Welcome new students!

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Giving Voice to Patients’ Untold Stories

Medical resident Jeffrey Lee, MD, is on a mission to understand the human side of illness. He partnered with patients on the narrative medicine project “Untold Stories,” to share their personal stories about living with illness.

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Centennial Spotlight: Onyekwere E. Akwari

Onyekwere E. Akwari’s low-key, engaging presence at Duke was transformative. He was described as a compassionate physician and dedicated mentor and was one of four surgeons who initiated the Society of Black Academic Surgeons in 1989.

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Easing the Way for Refugee Patients

Through an internship with a Durham health clinic, students learn the challenges immigrants face in navigating the U.S. health system—and help patients solve them.

Agents of Change Project Documents Work of Duke Activists

Agents of Change: Portraits of Activism in the History of Duke Health is an oral history project documenting the work of Duke activists and "change agents." The digital collection highlights the contributions of over 15 underappreciated activists in the history of Duke Health.

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Dimensions of Disability at Duke: Academics, Advocacy, Community, and Culture

This story from the Graduate School reflects on the state of disability justice at Duke and highlights the ongoing work of students, faculty, and staff. Learn how the Duke community continues to push well beyond legal codes—viewing disability through the multiple lenses of academic study, advocacy, community, and culture. 

Community Partnerships to Advance Science for Society

Advancing health equity requires a sustained focus on addressing the social determinants of health. In this blog from the AAMC Center for Health Justice, learn how the NIH is directly funding community organizations to study how structural factors can impact health outcomes.

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Accessibility and Inclusion in the Clinical Learning Environment

Listen to this episode of AM Rounds’ Academic Medicine Podcast for a discussion on fostering an accessible and inclusive learning environment for medical students with disabilities.

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Spiritual Voyages: Abstract paintings by Eduardo Lapetina

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).

National Chats for Change

September 3 • Noon-1 p.m.


Join colleagues from Mt. Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine to learn about an art-based initiative called Project H.E.ART (Health Equity in ART) to tackle and raise awareness on biases and stereotypes.

2nd Annual Bull City 5k Diabetes Walk/Run

September 7

Durham, NC



Join members of the ME2 Black Employee Resource Group as they participate in this year’s Bull City 5k Diabetes Walk/Run. In addition to the race, enjoy line dancing, yoga, and other family-friendly activities.

Advancing Health Equity Through Telehealth

September 13 • 2:30 p.m.



The AAMC Advancing Health Equity Through Telehealth Learning Series highlights the role of academic medicine in promoting and advancing health equity through telehealth. All individuals interested in telehealth and health equity issues are invited to this free virtual event.

Universities and the Israel-Palestine Conflict: How to Discuss, How to Engage?

September 16 • 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Karsh Alumni and Visitors Center


The 2024 Provost’s Forum “Universities and the Israel-Palestine Conflict: How to Discuss, How to Engage?” is organized by the Provost’s Initiative on the Middle East. Participation is free and open to all Duke students, faculty, and staff.

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.

Advocating for Health Equity

September 19 • 3 p.m.



Join the AAMC Collaborative for Health Equity: Act, Research, Generate Evidence (CHARGE) for a webinar and discussion about the many ways to advocate for health equity.

¡DALHE! Virtual Cafecito: Roberto Campos-Marquetti, J.D

September 27 • Noon-1 p.m.


Join the ¡DALHE! career committee for Virtual Cafecito, featuring Executive Sponsor Roberto Campos-Marquetti, J.D, Assistant Vice President for Staff & Labor Relations at Duke. Virtual Cafecitos are an opportunity to create and maintain open dialogue for Duke Latiné/Hispanic staff and allies.

Pride: Durham, NC

September 28-29


Join LGBTQ+ Alliance 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.

Mid-Career Minority Faculty Leadership Seminar

October 16-18

Washington, DC


The AAMC Mid-Career Minority Faculty Leadership Seminar addresses the needs of associate level faculty who are historically underrepresented in medicine. All associate professor level faculty are welcome to attend.

New UREF Community Building Lunch

November 6 • Noon- 1:30 p.m.

Trent Semans Center for Health Education



Giselle López, MD, PhD, and Katherine Ramos, PhD

The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the Office for Faculty will host a new faculty orientation follow-up session for new underrepresented racial and ethnic faculty (UREF). This informal gathering aims to promote community and connection.

Save the Date: ¡DALHE! Networking Event

November 14 5-7 p.m.

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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