Samantha Minc, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery, and Nicole Heidt, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, have received the inaugural Richard McCann Healthcare Disparities Award in support of the expansion of Duke's CHAMPIONS vascular screening outreach program. Their proposal will fund six community-based screening events over the next year, reaching an estimated 300 individuals in medically underserved urban and rural communities across the region.
Through partnerships with local churches, community organizations, and health fairs, the program will provide cardiovascular and peripheral arterial disease screening, culturally and linguistically appropriate health education, referral pathways for ongoing care, and longitudinal follow-up to assess health literacy and care-seeking behaviors. The initiative will also engage Duke medical students in community-based prevention and health equity efforts while generating data to better understand barriers to vascular care and identify opportunities for future interventions.
The award is supported through the Richard McCann Healthcare Disparities Fund, which was established in honor of Dr. McCann's enduring legacy of mentorship, service, and commitment to advancing equitable surgical care. This endowed fund reflects a shared departmental priority to address healthcare disparities and to improve access, quality, and outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Learn more about Dr. Richard McCann.