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. This issue features a video highlighting the advocacy work of Duke’s Sexual and Gender Diversity Advisory Council. We also share recent EDI-related news stories, resources, and coming events.

EDI Spotlight: Sexual and Gender Diversity Advisory Council

In this month’s EDI Spotlight, we highlight a group that is working diligently to address the needs and challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community. The Sexual and Gender Diversity Advisory Council (SAGDAC) is a think tank that helps support collaboration and a wide range of innovative LGBTQ+ initiatives across Duke.

Watch this video to learn more about the council’s advocacy work—from ensuring clinicians use appropriate terms in medical records to partnering with law students to address legal issues such as denied insurance claims.

News and Resources

Chancellor’s Scholars Awards Recognize Diversity, Academic Excellence

The Office for Biomedical Graduate Education (OBGE) and Duke University School of Medicine have named the 2023-24 Chancellor’s Domestic Scholars. The new scholars are outstanding first-year students from historically under-represented or underserved backgrounds who are pursuing a PhD.

Faculty Diversity Facts & Figures Available Online

Each fall, the School of Medicine releases an updated version of Facts & Figures, highlighting the school’s latest facts, statistics, and key priorities. Check out the section on faculty diversity to get the latest on the school’s progress in recruiting and retaining a diverse group of talented faculty.

Restorative Justice Pilot Program Begins

The School of Medicine recently kicked off a new restorative justice pilot program with participants from across School of Medicine departments and units. Shifting the Paradigm: Restorative Justice as a Framework for Workforce Well-Being is a year-long pilot program organized by the Office for Faculty and co-sponsored by the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

New Findings on Triple-negative Breast Cancer in Younger African American Women

"Triple-negative" breast cancer is the most aggressive subtype of the disease, and it disproportionately affects younger African American females, who show higher incidence and lower survival rates compared to other groups. A new study from Duke University School of Medicine researchers suggests one possible reason why.

From Migrant Farm Worker to Duke Scientist

Everardo Macias's quest to find innovative treatments for prostate cancer mirrors his own incredible journey – from a migrant farm worker to a groundbreaking scientist. The pathology professor is pioneering ways to outsmart cancer cells that defy conventional treatments.

Study Highlights Diversity Deficit in U.S. Surgical Leadership

A Duke-led study lays bare significant racial and gender disparities in America’s surgical leadership. The study, published in JAMA Surgery, revealed that of the 2,165 faculty members included across 154 departments, men overwhelmingly claimed the top spots in surgical leadership, making up 85.9% of department chairs.

Call for Abstracts: MaryAnn Black Distinguished Health Equity Symposium

Abstract submissions are now open for the annual MaryAnn Black Distinguished Health Equity Symposium. The event will include poster sessions, and students/trainees, community organizations, researchers, and health care professionals are invited to submit work that highlights efforts to advance health equity in our community. Submissions close on November 27. 

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