Blake Long, AB’82, MD’86, HS’92-’95, MBA’15, has cultivated strong roots at Duke — first as an undergraduate student majoring in health economics and health policy, next as a medical student, and then as a fellow in pediatric cardiology. Decades later, he returned to Duke to get his MBA and now holds a position as an adjunct professor in the Fuqua School of Business. He serves as vice president on the executive committee of the Medical Alumni Council.

A new $11.45 million award from the Nanaline H. Duke fund expands support at Duke for early-career physicians who also conduct research. The award will accelerate groundbreaking research that transforms patient care, while strengthening Duke’s role as a national leader in physician-scientist development, said Duke University President Vincent E. Price. 

New Director Esen K. Akpek, MD, will guide the next chapter of the Frances and Stephen Foster Center for Ocular Immunology, honoring the Fosters’ philanthropic partnership with Duke Eye Center and their unwavering dedication to advancing vision health worldwide.