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, Raquel Ruiz, MBA, MAEd, tells us about her EDI work at the Duke Clinical & Translational Science Institute. We also share recent EDI-related news stories, resources, and coming events.

EDI Spotlight: Raquel Ruiz, MBA, MAEd

Raquel Ruiz, MBA, MAEd, first discovered the importance of including diverse participants in research studies while working as a research assistant in college. Ever since, she has worked in some capacity to help advance health equity. Her passion for EDI most recently led her to the Duke Clinical & Translational Science Institute (CTSI), where part of her team’s work includes building community trust in research.

In this month’s EDI Spotlight, Ruiz talks to us about her work as a senior staff director for the Equity and Learning Health Communities Pillar at CTSI. She also gives a glimpse into what’s to come for a new employee resource group for Latino staff that she will lead. And she shares a little about the things that bring her joy outside of work.

News and Resources

Group Aims to Empower Black Staff

For the past two years, Duke University School of Medicine’s Black Employee Resource Group, ME², has fostered a sense of community for Black staff members. Watch this video to learn more about how the group works to empower staff and serve the local community.

School of Medicine Hosts Its First Equity Advancement Symposium

In July, Duke University School of Medicine held its inaugural Equity Advancement Symposium, “Sustaining the Momentum: Leveraging Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Beyond the Pandemic.” The daylong event brought the Duke community together for conversations on the intersection of science and equity, diversity, and inclusion.

A Growing Promise: New Leadership Reinvigorates EDI Mission in Duke Surgery

Duke Surgery in recent years has experienced growth from – and established dedicated resources toward – enhanced diversity among faculty, trainees, staff, and partners. This continued growth and emphasis on fostering an inclusive culture most recently led the Duke Department of Surgery to establish a leadership team focused on EDI.

Duke Summer Academy Helps Medical Students Explore Research Careers

The Duke Office of Physician Scientist Development (OPSD) PRIME Summer Academy provides medical students, who have limited research experience, hands-on laboratory training at the Duke University School of Medicine.

Matter of Faith: Duke Health Partners with A.M.E. Zion Pastors to Rebuild Trust in Health Care

Duke Health is partnering with A.M.E. Zion churches to rebuild trust in health care and increase the number of Black patients who participate in clinical trials. But the Health Equity Advocates Liaisons (HEAL) program is not just about research. It also provides education and resources to the community.

Office for Institutional Equity Offers Fall Workshop Series

The Office for Institutional Equity is offering its Fall 2023 Workshops series beginning in September. The workshops will provide Duke community members with education and support on key issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, as well as Duke regulations concerning discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and equal opportunity.

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