Inspirational Stories

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.

Albert Howell shares his journey to the MD program at Duke and the importance of scholarship support in making his dream come true.

Physician assistant student Kristina Miller reflects on her journey to Duke and how the Hamilton-Carter Scholarship helped her achieve her goals.

Martin Roskoski shares his motivation for attending Duke University School of Nursing and how scholarship support makes a difference in his journey.

In addition to being a talented teacher, surgeon, and humanitarian, John Karickhoff, MD'64, HS‘64-'68, is a visionary. He recently gave $1 million to launch the Duke Ocular Innovation Hub. The hub will serve both as an engine to drive innovation and a repository for innovations developed at Duke Eye Center.  

Joel Graybeal knows what it’s like to work at a business where people mean more than the bottom line. At Triangle Rock Clubs, where he is managing partner, employees find joy in helping clients climb their way to better health and fitness. Some of them even find their soul mates: the clubs’ colorful climbing terrains have served as backdrops for several marriage proposals.

Colton Goodman of China Grove, North Carolina, was just 3 years old when he was referred to Duke after an MRI showed a growth behind his right eye. At Duke, he was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a life-threatening muscle tissue cancer that is most often seen in children.