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, Anthony Fuller, MD, MScGH, tells us about his work in EDI both at Duke and abroad. We also share recent EDI-related news stories, resources, and coming events.

EDI Spotlight

Anthony Fuller, MD, MScGH


When Anthony Fuller MD, MScGH, came to Duke as a medical student nine years ago, he hit the ground running. He co-founded the first division dedicated to improving global care for neurology and neurosurgery in the United States.

Since then, the Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology (DGNN) has provided care for thousands of patients, built infrastructure for sustainable care in multiple countries, and published more than 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts. Fuller, meanwhile, has joined the faculty of the Department of Neurosurgery as the division’s associate director, as well as five other official titles.



For this month’s EDI Spotlight interview, Fuller talks to us about what he’s most proud of in the DGNN so far. He also shares how equity, diversity, and inclusion shape his work in the United States and abroad, his hopes for “bending the arc” of moral justice in an exponential rather than linear fashion, and enjoying learning, time with family, and traveling in his fleeting spare time.


Read more about Anthony Fuller, MD, MScGH

News and Resources

Call for Nominations for the Michelle Winn Inclusive Excellence Award

TheMichelle Winn Inclusive Excellence Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions toequity,diversity, and inclusion within the School of Medicine community. Any member of the School of Medicine may submit a nomination. The deadline for submissions is March 6.

Black History Month Discussion: Progress and Change at the School of Medicine

In celebration of Black History Month, Duke University School of Medicine Dean Mary Klotman, MD, interviews Kevin Thomas, MD, the School of Medicine's Vice Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, about the importance of the month and about Duke's role in combating racism.

A Fair Process: Lisa McElroy Strives to Make Transplant Selection More Equitable

The legacy of Black surgeons at Duke is recognized as Lisa McElroy, MD, MS, assistant professor of surgery and population health sciences, serves as the inaugural recipient of the Onyekwere E. Akwari, MD, Endowed Professorship, which was created in honor of the first African American surgeon on staff at Duke.

Shaking a Shared Delusion: Andrea Deyrup Combats Race-Based Medicine

Andrea Deyrup, MD, PhD, professor in the Department of Pathology, is challenging a long history of race-based medicine that is often based on questionable assumptions and flawed science yet remains deeply embedded in medical texts and exams.

Medical Experts Examine Impact of NC Bills on LGBTQ+ Youth

Two new proposed state laws targeting LGBTQ+ youth in North Carolina would drive up suicide rates, restrict health care providers, and limit schools’ ability to provide safe havens for students. That’s according to three Duke experts who spoke to journalists earlier this month about gender-affirming care, the role schools play, and the potential consequences of the two laws under consideration.

MaryAnn Black Health Equity Lecture

Watch a recording of the inaugural MaryAnn Black Health Equity Lecture held on Feb. 9 featuring Marcella Nunez-Smith, MD, MHS, associate dean for health equity and professor of internal medicine at Yale University. The event was created by the Duke Cancer Institute Community Outreach, Engagement and Equity program in honor of State Representative MaryAnn Black.

New Report: Advancing Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEM Organizations

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recently released a report with recommendations for actionable anti-racist mechanisms to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM organizations, including universities and hospitals. In part, the report reviewed ways in which racism and bias conditions create systemic barriers and impede STEM careers for historically marginalized racial/ethnic groups.

Deepen Your Understanding of Equity and Inclusion

From workshops to tailored sessions, Duke’s Office for Institutional Equity (OIE) offers educational opportunities for individuals and units. Learn more about OIE’s offerings.

Newsweek Lists Duke Among Best Workplaces for Diversity

Newsweek has named Duke University among “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity” in 2023. Duke earned the highest-possible five-star score on the list of large employers who both celebrate diversity among its workforce but implement policies that cultivate an inclusive workplace.

History of Racism in U.S. Health Care

The first National Health Equity Grand Rounds, developed by the leading medical associations in the country, took place on Feb. 7. Watch a recording of the event, which featured a discussion of the root causes of present-day health inequities in the U.S. and opportunities to advance individual, institutional, and structural solutions. AMA account required (free).

Test your knowledge of Black history at Duke University School of Medicine! Complete the 10-question quiz by 5 p.m. Feb. 28 to be eligible for a School of Medicine swag bag.

Take the Quiz! 
Upcoming Events image

"The Best of Enemies" – Moderated Discussion 

February 27 • 9-10:30 a.m.

Dean's Suite, Conference Room 119

 

Jeffrey Baker, MD, PhD, and Bill Riddick, MEd

Faculty are invited to register for a discussion of “The Best of Enemies: Race and Redemption in the New South” by Osha Gray Davidson. This book examines the complex interplay of race and social class in Durham.

National Chats for Change (NEW DATE)

Transformational Tools Workshop #2: Identifying Levers of Change

February 27 • 4-5:30 p.m.

 

Join the Icahn School of Medicine and other colleagues for the national “Chats for Change” 2023 series. These workshops are open to anyone invested in transformational, anti-racist, and systemic change at their institutions.

Black Men in Medicine: Watch and Discuss “Rise Up: The Movement that Changed America” 

February 28 • 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Trent Semans Center for Health Education

 

Black male faculty, trainees, and students in the Schools of Medicine and Nursing are invited to join the Black Men in Medicine group to watch and discuss the film, "Rise Up: The Movement that Changed America." Dinner will be provided.

Sexual and/or Gender Minority Wellness Symposium 

March 7 • All day

 

The Third Annual Sexual and/or Gender Minority Wellness Symposium will feature activities on Duke's campus and in a virtual format for the Duke and Durham communities.

OIE Seminar: Discrimination and Harassment 

March 15 • 9-10:30 a.m.

Duke University Press Library

 

Confronted with a problem in your unit that might be discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct? The Office for Institutional Equity provides several resources related to compliance. This seminar is designed for staff, student, and faculty learners.

2023 McGovern Lecture: Ending the Legacy of Medical Violence: Centering Black Women's Resistance 

March 28 • 5:45 p.m.

Nasher Museum of Art

 

Dorothy E. Roberts

Professor Roberts is the George A. Weiss University Professor of Law and Sociology; Raymond Pace and Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander Professor of Civil Rights; Founding Director, Penn Program on Race, Science, and Society at the University of Pennsylvania. Free and open to the public.

National Chats for Change

Transformational Tools Workshop #3: Developing Tactical Plans with a Graphic Organizer

March 29 • 12:00-1:30pm

 

Join the Icahn School of Medicine and other colleagues for the national “Chats for Change” 2023 series. These workshops are open to anyone invested in transformational, anti-racist, and systemic change at their institutions.

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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