The Duke Department of Medicine has announced the creation of the Emerging Physician Researcher Fund, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to supporting early-career physician investigators at a pivotal stage in their training and development.
The fund was launched with an inaugural gift from Department Chair Kathleen Cooney, MD, in honor of her parents, Robert and Patricia Cooney, whose steadfast encouragement and sacrifices helped shape her own path in medicine and research. Dr. Cooney’s vision is to create sustainable support for the department’s future leaders — and to inspire others to invest in the people whose ideas and discoveries lead to medical advancements.
“I’ve been fortunate throughout my career to benefit from the mentorship, sponsorship and resources that make physician-led research possible,” said Dr. Cooney. “I hope this fund encourages others to give back and help provide young investigators with the time and support they need to pursue big ideas and tackle complex problems.”
Becoming a physician-scientist requires years of specialized training, protected time for research and an environment that inspires inquiry alongside clinical care. At a time when traditional sources of funding are under pressure and academic medicine faces new challenges, the Emerging Physician Researcher Fund aims to bridge critical gaps — ensuring that promising investigators do not lose momentum at the very point when their potential can be fully realized.
Dr. Cooney’s parents embodied the determination to pursue knowledge and contribute to society, even during difficult times. Her mother, a mathematician who worked for NASA and later taught high school math while raising a family, and her father, who rose from humble beginnings to an accomplished career in industry, instilled in her a deep respect for education and a belief in giving back to others.
The new fund reflects this spirit of investment in people — and calls on others to join in sustaining the department’s mission to advance patient care, research and education for the benefit of future generations.
Additional information and giving opportunities will be shared soon. Those interested in learning more about how to support the Emerging Physician Researcher Fund are encouraged to reach out to Assistant Director of Development, Adiesa Smith, at adiesa.smith@duke.edu or 919-385-3158.