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 honors, she is recognized nationally for addressing health disparities by diversifying the physician workforce. Her work has focused particularly on addressing the shortage of Black males in medicine.

“I was ecstatic to learn that I was elected,” Dr. Deas said. “It will give me a stronger voice at the national level in science and in diversity. I’m also pleased with what we are doing at CIRM, and this is a great opportunity to represent myself, the UC system, and CIRM.”

Ysabel Duron

Last week, another Board member, Ysabel Duron, participated in the American Cancer Society’s National Breast Cancer Roundtable. Duron, founder and president of the Latino Cancer Institute, also attended the White House event with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.

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 access for all women. This includes Black women and others in historically excluded communities. Their goal is to improve access to quality screening, treatment, and support.

“I feel honored to join the ACS NBCRT,” Duron said. “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.”