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, Madhav Swaminathan, MD, discusses why neurodiversity is an important part of EDI work. We also share recent EDI-related news stories, resources, and coming events.

EDI Spotlight: Madhav Swaminathan, MD

The human brain works in different ways for each of us. But Madhav Swaminathan, MD, professor of anesthesiology, says that shouldn’t be a reason for anyone to feel excluded. Witnessing his autistic adult son thrive as an office assistant at the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development has been the motivation behind Swaminathan’s push to create welcoming, inclusive spaces for neurodiverse individuals at Duke. 

In this month’s EDI Spotlight, Swaminathan shares how he became involved with a group focused on increasing inclusion of neurodiversity, a disability that he says is often hidden yet deserves more attention in EDI work. He also tells us about a group he founded for fathers with autistic children and shares his joy of baking and painting.

News and Resources

ICYMI: Empowering Black Staff

Duke University School of Medicine’s Black Employee Resource Group, ME², empowers the more than 900 Black staff members in the school while serving the local community. In case you missed it, check out this video highlighting the group’s efforts to foster a community focused on networking, professional development, and leadership opportunities.

EDI Data Dashboard

As the School of Medicine works to become a more equitable and inclusive environment, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Data Dashboard is just one way to enhance accountability. The dashboard transparently communicates key metrics and change over time. Take a look at recent dashboard updates for a snapshot of our school’s diversity.

School of Medicine Wins National Award for EDI Website

The Duke University School of Medicine Equity, Diversity & Inclusion website was recently honored for excellence by the AAMC Group on Institutional Advancement (GIA). The refreshed website received a Gold Award for Excellence in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives category.

Self-service Portal: Your Resource for Updating Chosen Name and Pronouns

Did you know you can update your name and pronouns and choose where these details are shared using Duke OIT’s self-service portal? Visit the portal to review and update your information.

Provost's Initiative on the Middle East

Provost Alec D. Gallimore recently launched the Provost's Initiative on the Middle East to foster constructive dialogues about violence in the Middle East. Leaders from Duke have organized a variety of events, programs, and engagement opportunities. Visit the initiative’s website to learn more.

Centennial Spotlight: Brenda Armstrong

The second Black woman in the U.S. to become a board-certified pediatric cardiologist, Brenda Armstrong returned to Duke, almost a decade after her time as an undergraduate, with a focus on addressing disparities in medicine.

Equality for Women in Science: Not There Yet

The Duke Centennial Research and Innovation Week Daubechies Lecture featured Dean Emerita Nancy Andrews, MD, PhD, who shared her thoughts on how although conditions have become more equitable for women in science, there’s still more work to be done.

Duke-NCCU Partnership Awarded Prize for Excellence in Diversity and Research

Duke University and North Carolina Central University recently received the NIH Institutional Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in Biomedical and Behavioral Research Prize. The two schools were jointly awarded a $100,000 prize for demonstrating exceptional dedication and innovation in fostering DEIA within research environments.

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