Inspirational Stories

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.

Federal funding has provided crucial support for biomedical research at American universities for decades, fueling the innovation and discovery necessary to solve the biggest health challenges. This explainer video describes how research saves lives and how the process of research funding works.

A refurbished lobby and modernized auditorium now welcome patients, staff, and community members to Duke Regional Hospital, thanks to a generous $1.1 million gift from the Durham County Hospital Corporation. The investment marks another milestone in their longstanding partnership, and the renovations help make Duke Regional the best place possible for health, hope, and healing.

Wonder what the day in the life of a medical student looks like? Nicole Miller shares her experience as a third year MD student at Duke University School of Medicine. From clinical and research work, to dancing, to studying, to volunteering to keep the Durham community healthy – see what how universities are developing the next generation of doctors and researchers.

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.

Created in memory of Bobby Menges by his parents, Liz and Peter, the I’m Not Done Yet Foundation has surpassed $1 million in gifts to Duke Health and transformed how the Duke Cancer Institute supports young people with cancer.

Duke Health has received a $4.5 million award from The Duke Endowment to support groundbreaking work to understand and address the health impacts of climate change in the Carolinas.

Duke University Health System has established a new endowed clinical directorship to advance cancer care thanks to a $2.5 million gift from an anonymous couple with deep ties to Duke Health. The directorship will provide opportunities to innovate, mentor, engage in community health initiatives, build and enhance programs, and invest in technology.