Earlier this month, Dr. Deborah Deas was elected as a member of the National Academy of Medicine, or NAM. Membership in the academy is one of the highest national honors in health and medicine.

Deas’ many honors

Dr. Deas is the vice chancellor of health sciences and the Mark and Pam Rubin Dean of the UCR School of Medicine, as well as a member of CIRM’s governing Board.

Among many other honors, Dr. Deas is recognized as a national contributor to addressing health disparities by diversifying the physician workforce, especially in light of the shortage of Black males in medicine.

“I was ecstatic to learn that I was elected. It will give me a stronger voice at the national level in science and in diversity, equity, and inclusion. I’m also so pleased about what we are doing at CIRM, and this is such a great opportunity to not only represent myself but also the UC system as well as CIRM.”

Ysabel Duron

At the same time, another Board member, founder, and President of the Latino Cancer Institute, Ysabel Duron, was asked to join the American Cancer Society (ACS) National Breast Cancer Roundtable (NBCRT).

Last week, Ms. Duron attended the event at the white house with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, where she announced the launch of NBCRT.

A coalition

The ACS NBCRT is a national coalition working to accelerate progress across the breast cancer continuum. It builds strategic partnerships to eliminate disparities, reduce mortality, and ensure all women—including Black women and others in historically excluded communities—have access to quality screening, treatment, and support.

“I feel honored to join the ACS NBCRT and the weight of the responsibility to those who suffer and die from this disease every day. As we shape the next initiatives, I am committed to highlighting gaps in education, quality care, and access to advanced diagnostics and treatment for Latina and other underserved populations.”