Welcome to Elevate, a monthly newsletter from the Office for Culture, Engagement, and Impact. Elevate is distributed to faculty, staff, and students in the Duke University School of Medicine. In this issue, we highlight the significant impact the BOOST Program made on young people interested in science and medicine in 2025. We also share recent news stories, resources, and coming events.

A few years ago, when Salime walked into Holt Elementary School in Durham as an English as a Second Language (ESL) student, excelling in science and technology felt like a distant dream. However, thanks to BOOST, a program that fosters opportunities in science and technology, she is now thriving. The language barrier was significant, but BOOST (Building Opportunities and Overtures in Science and Technology) gave her what she needed most: empowerment, belief, mentorship, and a culturally responsive learning environment.

Salime was just one of 75 students whose passion for science was ignited this year through BOOST. Her story reflects the program’s impact in 2025.

National Employee Resource Group (ERG) Day was on November 17, but it’s never too late to get involved with ERGs at Duke. These groups offer a welcoming space to connect with colleagues who share similar backgrounds, interests, or experiences. Open to all, ERGs foster community, support, and belonging. Learn more about ¡DALHE! and ME², the two ERGs offered at Duke University School of Medicine.

Inspired by his father’s health challenges, master’s student Ben Ncube is leveraging Duke’s Population Health Sciences Program to reimagine what’s possible in global men’s health policy.

Duke Global Health Institute’s annual Showcase event puts a spotlight on student research projects that span 21 countries and a range of global health challenges.

The MaryAnn Black Distinguished Health Equity Symposium, hosted by the Duke Cancer Institute Community Outreach and Engagement, is now accepting submissions highlighting community-engaged research, program innovation, policy strategies, or partnership-based approaches that advance health equity. The symposium will be held on February 5, 2026, honoring the legacy of MaryAnn Black. Abstract submission deadline: December 1.

HIV/AIDS Health Care and Education in Academic Medicine  
December 1 • 1 p.m.

This webinar will explore how to better prepare medical learners to support the unique needs and experiences of patients living with HIV or AIDS. Hosted by the AAMC as part of its IDEAS Learning Series.

33rd Annual Duke SNMA MLK Banquet
January 17
Trent Semans Center Great Hall

Join the Duke University Chapter of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) for this event, which celebrates the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and showcases SNMA’s commitment to service, advocacy, and community.

MaryAnn Black Distinguished Health Equity Symposium 2026
February 5 • 2:30-6:30 p.m.
Durham Convention Center
301 W. Morgan St., Durham, NC

Join the Duke Cancer Institute Community Outreach and Engagement for this symposium honoring the legacy of MaryAnn Black. Featuring keynote speaker Mel Mann, the longest-living Gleevec (TKI) survivor whose advocacy helped expand the national bone marrow registry.

2026 Women’s Health Research Symposium
February 6 • 8 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Trent Semans Center Great Hall

Faculty, fellows, postdocs, students, and staff from any discipline are invited to attend this symposium organized by the Duke/NCCU BIRCWH Career Development Program. The 10th annual event, a scientific meeting on all aspects of women's health, will feature scholar presentations, roundtable lunch discussions, and two panels.

December Holidays and Observances

December 14-22: Hanukkah

December 25: Christmas

December 26-January 1: Kwanzaa

December 31: New Year's Eve

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