Inspirational Stories

When Carole Ryan lost her daughter Suzanne to a brain tumor, she turned grief into action. Through more than $4 million in gifts, including a recent $2.5 million planned gift, Carole is advancing groundbreaking research at Duke Health in Suzanne’s memory.

Ever wonder what a day in the life of a researcher is like? Erica Washington, PhD, will show you around. She’s an assistant research professor in molecular genetics and microbiology at the Duke University School of Medicine, unraveling the mysteries of fungal biology that could yield new anti-fungal medications. But she’s also a dedicated mom and a star on the soccer field.

The Bedford Falls Foundation has committed $250,000 to support the Duke University School of Nursing Master of Nursing (MN) program clinical immersion experience.

The Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) and Duke Health mourn the passing of David H. Murdock, a visionary philanthropist and the namesake of the MURDOCK Study, who died at the age of 102.

Sarah Rose Smale has been a patient of Sharon Freedman, MD, for almost 20 years. During that time, Freedman has helped the family preserve as much of Sarah Rose’s sight as possible and has guided them through multiple chronic and acute eye conditions, often from afar. In appreciation, Angela and Leonard Smale have been generous supporters of Freedman's research.

Congratulations to the 442 students from the Duke University School of Medicine who graduated on Sunday, May 11, 2025, marking the successful culmination of their hard work and dedication.

Professor of Medicine Michael Hershfield's research has transformed the lives of patients with rare immunodeficiencies and treatment-resistant gout. Now he's made a philanthropic gift to support early career physician-scientists at Duke.

Dean Emerita Wilson’s gift will fund an international visiting professorship and Duke’s Center for Nursing Research, to be renamed in her honor.

In a packed learning hall, Duke University School of Medicine celebrated Match Day 2025, when the next generation of doctors learned what awaits them after finishing medical school. The event marked the culmination of years of dedication and hard work, as 116 students discovered their residency destinations.

Thanks to the support of R. Sanders “Sandy” Williams, MD'74, HS'77-'80, and family, a newly-established fund will provide support to laboratory-based research projects conducted by physician-scientists in the School of Medicine.