Feature Stories

Here we share feature stories of the department's efforts and achievements throughout the year, looking deep into the cutting-edge research, educational advancements, and patient care breakthroughs performed by Duke Surgery faculty, trainees, and staff.
A group of medical students gather and pose together
Creating Space in Surgery for URiM Medical Students Through Duke ASPIRES Program
By Jessica Bronchick, Duke Surgery

In 2021, the Duke Department of Surgery launched the Advancing Student Preparedness & Involvement for Representation & Equity in Surgery (ASPIRES) program, a mentorship initiative taking aim at barriers to entry into the surgical profession.

Dr. Krista Haines and Dr. Anthony Eze stand outside of the Duke Emergency Department.

Surviving Gun Violence

Nearly 43,000 people died of gunshot wounds in the United States last year. But measuring gun violence by deaths alone misses the bigger picture: most people who are shot manage to survive their wounds.  

Abby van Vliet, Dr. Ryan Antiel, and Dr. Thomas Howell stand in a group photo

Wellbeing, Culture, and Sense of Self: Redefining What it Means to be a ‘Good’ Surgeon

Duke has long been recognized as a leader in surgical education and training, with a history of building multi-talented and skilled physicians and researchers who bring their passion for quality care to the communities they serve. 

Now, faculty and residents in the Department of Surgery are exploring what matters most to surgeons-in-training, and establishing a new curriculum that seeks to redefine what it means to be a ‘good’ surgeon.