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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, Jessica Schonberg, M.Ed., discusses her role as director of educational programs in the Office for Faculty. We also share recent news stories, resources, and coming events.

Jessica Schonberg, M.Ed.: Creating a Culture of Belonging Through Faculty Development

Over the years working in faculty development, Jessica Schonberg, M.Ed., has learned that when it comes to creating a sense of belonging in the workplace, connection is key. As director of educational programs in the School of Medicine’s Office for Faculty, Schonberg designs seminars and other events aimed at helping faculty make connections and develop skills that are vital to career development and creating an inclusive work environment.

Jessica Shonberg

In this month’s spotlight, Schonberg explains how these seminars, along with a recent restorative justice program, give attendees a chance to come together with their peers, learn that they are not alone in the professional challenges they face, and discover new ways to make a meaningful impact at work.

News and Resources

Students sign their acceptance into early college

Educating The Next Generation of Durham's Health Care Providers

The 100 students in the inaugural class of the new Durham Early College of Health Sciences recently gathered with their families for a signing ceremony. The new school is the result of a partnership between Duke Health, Durham Tech, and Durham Public Schools to create an early college program for high school students.

A student in the HPREP Junior program listens to Adwoa Baffoe Bonnie's heart with a homemade stethoscope

Partnership Spurs Students' Interest in Science, Health

Duke Clinical & Translational Science Institute and the Duke Office of Clinical Research have teamed up with a unique program managed by Duke medical students that encourages Durham teenagers to explore careers in health professions.

School of Medicine student national conference directors

Duke Hosts Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association National Conference

More than 400 students, speakers, volunteers, and sponsors came to Duke from around the country for the 2025 Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) National Conference in March.

he LMSA Southeast Regional executive board

Latino Medical Student Association Gathers at Duke for Regional Conference

For the first time in more than two decades, Duke University School of Medicine recently hosted the annual Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) Southeast Regional Conference.

Autism Spectrum Quick Learner

Learn About the Autism Spectrum

Anyone can be autistic. You probably know a friend, family member, or co-worker who is autistic. Perhaps you are autistic yourself. What autism looks like, and how it affects a person’s life, can vary widely across the autism spectrum. Recognize Autism Acceptance Month this April by reading more about autism and watching a quick learner video.

Eni Owoeye Provost Alect D Gallimore Velda Wang and Joshn Purakal

Sullivan Award Honors Three Creating Stronger Access to Community Services

John Purakal, MD, assistant professor of emergency medicine, was one of three members of the Duke community recognized with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. Purakal was honored for his community work, which includes developing a project that screens emergency room patients for unmet social needs.

Upcoming Events image

Strengthening Rural Health: Research, Access to Care, and Community Collaboration

May 8 • 12:30-2 p.m.

Chesterfield Building, 701 W. Main St., Durham


The CTSI Center for Equity in Research invites the Duke research community to a symposium to explore the unique challenges and opportunities in rural health. Registration required. Lunch will be provided. Participants who attend for more than 60 minutes are eligible to receive RCR-200 credit.

AAPI Heritage Month Celebration

May 31 • Noon-3 p.m.

21 Alexandria Way, Durham


Join the Duke AAPI Affinity Group for its fourth AAPI Heritage Month Celebration featuring family-friendly activities. Lunch will be provided by a variety of local food vendors.

Discrimination and Harassment Prevention

June 5 • 9-11 a.m.

Smith Warehouse, Bay 6, B271


This interactive session offered by the Office for Institutional Equity focuses on institutional compliance, including strategies to support alignment with the provisions of the Duke Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct.

Generational Differences

June 24 • 10 a.m.-Noon

Smith Warehouse, Bay 6, B271


In this session offered by the Office for Institutional Equity, learn about the general characteristics attributed to generations/age groups and how they may impact workplace engagement.

Equitable Recruitment, Hiring, and Retention

June 26 • 10 a.m.-Noon

Smith Warehouse, Bay 6, B271



This workshop offered by the Office for Institutional Equity engages with search practices, including search committees on equitable practices throughout the search process.

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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