The Duke Chapter of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) recently hosted its 32nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Banquet in Durham. This event was a powerful occasion to reflect on Dr. King’s enduring legacy and honor individuals who embody his values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in medicine. At this esteemed event, Denise Smith, MD, MS, PGY-4, was presented with the 2025 Brenda Armstrong Award for her exceptional contributions to advancing diversity and inclusion within the Duke medical community.
Dr. Smith shared her thoughts on the recognition: "Winning this award feels like recognition not just for me, but for all the students and residents who reached back to help me get to Duke. I still regularly connect with my mentors and peer mentors, and this award highlights how these efforts truly make a difference. I initially became involved with SNMA as a graduate student seeking guidance. Duke’s SNMA continues to create programs that expose minority and underrepresented students to various fields of medicine, making it easy for me to stay engaged. This award acknowledges the work we do every day to foster an even more inclusive environment at Duke. I’m grateful to continue prioritizing mentorship alongside all that is required of me as a surgical resident."
The Brenda Armstrong Award is named in honor of Dr. Brenda Armstrong, a trailblazer and former Associate Dean of Admissions at Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. Armstrong was a passionate advocate for diversity, working tirelessly to transform the medical education and training landscape. Her efforts reshaped admissions practices and ensured that diversity and inclusion were integral throughout the Duke medical community, including residency programs. Dr. Armstrong’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of medical professionals.
Each year, the Brenda Armstrong Award is presented to a Duke resident or fellow who exemplifies Dr. Armstrong’s mission by advancing diversity and inclusion in their work and community. The recipient actively works to break down barriers and create a more inclusive, supportive environment for underrepresented groups in medicine.
As a resident in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. Smith has consistently demonstrated her commitment to improving the diversity of the medical field. Her leadership in residency programs, mentorship of underrepresented medical students, and advocacy for inclusive practices across the department reflect her dedication to fostering a welcoming and equitable environment for all.
Dr. Smith’s impact extends well beyond her clinical and academic accomplishments. She is deeply committed to advancing diversity in orthopaedics, a field where underrepresented minorities have historically been marginalized. She supports her peers and colleagues through her efforts and fosters a more inclusive medical community. She has played an active role in recruitment at the Annual Medical Education Conference (AMEC) with SNMA and has mentored students through the Duke Pathway to Orthopaedic Mentorship program. Dr. Smith’s receipt of the Brenda Armstrong Award is a testament to her unwavering dedication to these causes and her passion for driving systemic change.
The Role of SNMA in Supporting Diversity
Founded in 1964 at Howard University and Meharry Medical College, the SNMA has long been a leader in supporting underrepresented minority medical students and advocating for the health needs of underserved communities. The SNMA’s mission is to increase the number of culturally competent, socially conscious, and clinically excellent physicians dedicated to making a difference in the lives of all patients, especially those from historically marginalized groups.
The SNMA Duke Chapter honors the legacy of leaders who have fought for equality and inclusion in medicine through events like the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Banquet. This banquet recognizes individuals like Dr. Smith, whose work continues to build on this vital legacy.
A Proud Moment for Duke Orthopaedic Surgery
Duke Orthopaedic Surgery is proud to support the Brenda Armstrong Award and celebrate the achievements of residents and fellows committed to improving the field’s diversity and inclusivity. The department’s dedication to diversity is a core value, and Dr. Smith’s accomplishment is a shining example of what can be achieved when one is passionate about creating change.
Dr. Smith’s receipt of the Brenda Armstrong Award is a well-deserved recognition of her hard work and an inspiration for others in the medical community to continue striving for a more inclusive and diverse future.
"I am so proud to see Dr. Denise Smith receive this award, continuing the legacy of the incredible Dr. Brenda Armstrong," says Erica Taylor, MD, MBA, Vice Chair of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Department of Orthopaedics, and Vice President of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for the Duke Health Integration Platform. “Accepting the award on her behalf was a full-circle moment for me, as Dr. Armstrong was why I decided to attend medical school at Duke.
She recognized the greatness in every student she admitted and did everything she could to teach us how to recognize our value in medicine. Following Dr. Armstrong's example, we contributed our talents to Duke, our patients, and our communities. She was a pioneer and unwavering in her spirit. Denise embodies many of these qualities, and I look forward to watching her continue to shine in orthopaedics."