Welcome to Equity Matters, formerly known as Inclusion Matters. This month we’re introducing a new name for this monthly newsletter as well as our office. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is now the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. The new names reflect our renewed focus on equity, which is at the core of everything we do. The focus on equity speaks to our continued commitment to build a climate where all members of our faculty, students, and staff experience a true sense of belonging and feel that they matter, can thrive, and contribute their best work.


These commitments are especially important during the recognition of two key observances this month: Juneteenth on June 20 and Pride Month all month long. Going forward, in Equity Matters, you can expect the same stories of individuals and groups working to make Duke University School of Medicine a more equitable place. We’ll also continue to share learning opportunities, events, and other useful resources. We value your support and hope you enjoy reading this newsletter.

The Office of EDI's Delegate Spotlight: Annise Weaver, MSEd, CRC

The Office of EDI’s Delegates are a group of more than 50 leaders in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion from across the School of Medicine. For this month’s Delegate Spotlight interview, we spoke with Delegate Annise Weaver, MSEd, CRC, Manager of Education & Outreach of NC-PAL and Associate Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Weaver talks to us about how last year’s COST letter from Black faculty inspired her to help her Black colleagues at Duke. She also shares how her role as Associate Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion complements her other duties within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. And she tells us about being an “avid bowler,” mother to a new puppy, and a new golfer when she’s not at Duke.

Upcoming Events

National Chats for Change (C4C) Series

July 6 • 12-1 p.m.

August 3 • 12-1 p.m.


Connect with faculty, staff, and learners from medical schools across the U.S.

NC Courage Pride Game

July 15 • 7:30 p.m.


NC Courage vs Angel City FC

WakeMed Soccer Park

940 E. Chatham St.,

Cary, NC 27511

Durham Pride

September 24


Events held at locations on Duke's campus and in Durham.

News and Resources

Kevin Thomas, MD

Kevin Thomas Looks to Lead School of Medicine Toward a More Equitable Future, and He’s Up for the Challenge

Kevin Thomas, MD, had little interest in cardiology when he first entered medical school, but it is difficult now to separate his journey toward becoming a cardiologist from his current work advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. Last November, Thomas, an electrophysiologist and associate professor of medicine in Duke’s Division of Cardiology, was named the School’s vice dean for equity, diversity, and inclusion by Dean Mary E. Klotman.

Tyson Pankey, MD, MPH

A Champion for Affirming, Culturally Responsive Health Care

Understanding intersecting cultural identities — and providing care that respects and affirms those identities — is at the heart of Tyson Pankey’s work as a clinician, educator, and researcher. Pankey joined the Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences faculty as an assistant professor in September 2021, and he wants to help flip the script on how health care providers talk to and care for people in the LGBTQ+ community.

2022 Michelle Winn Awards Celebrate Achievements in Diversity and Inclusion

The Duke University School of Medicine has announced the 2022 recipients of the Michelle P. Winn Inclusive Excellence Award. Each year, the Winn Awards are presented to individuals from across the School of Medicine who have exemplified excellence, innovation, and leadership through helping to create a more diverse and inclusive environment.

Social Stress Factors Drive Cancer Mechanisms that Help Explain Racial Disparities

Chronically stressful conditions of daily life such as racism, pollution and poverty have a direct impact on the cellular mechanisms that drive lethal, invasive forms of breast cancer, according to a study led by Duke Cancer Institute researchers.

Patierno, Barrett, Take to National Stage on Disparities

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) held a Virtual Congressional Briefing on June 8 to release the AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report 2022 which will “increase public awareness and understanding of cancer health disparities, highlight areas of recent progress in reducing cancer health disparities and provide specific recommendations for achieving health equity."

Group of medical students

Creating a Sense of Community for LGBTQ Students

DukeMed Pride offers LGBTQ students in the School of Medicine a space to find mentors, networking, and a sense of community. Medical student Alex Stonehill says even though there is now more acceptance of the LGBTQ community, groups like DukeMed Pride remain needed.

medschool.duke.edu/EDI

For questions or story suggestions, email the EDI Team

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