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Keisha Leanne Bentley-Edwards

Associate Professor in Medicine
Medicine, General Internal Medicine

Overview


Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards is the Associate Director of Research for the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity and an Associate Professor at Duke University’s School of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine. She is the Co-Director of Duke’s CTSI Center for Equity in Research.  Dr. Bentley-Edwards’ research focuses on how racism, gender, and culture influence health and education outcomes throughout the lifespan, especially for African Americans. Her research emphasizes cultural …

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor in Medicine · 2021 - Present Medicine, General Internal Medicine, Medicine
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 2017 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers
Affiliate, Duke Global Health Institute · 2019 - Present Duke Global Health Institute, University Institutes and Centers
Affiliate of the Center for Child and Family Policy · 2023 - Present Center for Child and Family Policy, Sanford School of Public Policy

In the News


Published February 21, 2025
The Barber Shop: One Spot to Pass on Health Advice With New Grants
Published November 19, 2024
The Heavy Cost of Expecting Black Resiliency
Published May 13, 2021
Eat, Pray, Live: New Research Examines the Faith-Health Connection for African-Americans

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Recent Publications


Reported changes in romantic and sexual behavior among college and graduate students during COVID-19.

Journal Article J Am Coll Health · April 2025 Objective: To understand changes in romantic and sexual behavior among college and graduate students in North Carolina during COVID-19. Participants: Participants were between 18-30 years old and enrolled in a two- or four-year college or graduate program ... Full text Link to item Cite

Duke Research at Pickett: The evolution of a free-standing research site partnering with communities toward health equity advancement.

Journal Article J Clin Transl Sci · 2025 While clinical research intends to improve health outcomes for all, access to research participation is often limited and inequitable. Geographic proximity is a recognized barrier, thus, systemic infrastructure solutions through federal programs including ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite

Developing a Public-facing Tool to Monitor Inclusion of Special Populations in Clinical Research

Journal Article Journal of Clinical and Translational Science · January 1, 2025 Clinical trials have provided evidence for determining treatment effectiveness. However, clinical trial participants have been underrepresented by diverse and special population groups (e.g., younger and older adults, different races/ethnicities), contribu ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Nurse LEADS: Training in Nurse-LEd models of care ADdressing the Social Determinants of Health

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029

Interventions that Address Structural Racism to Reduce Kidney Health Disparities Research Coordinating Center

ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2023 - 2028

Religion, Spirituality and CVD Risks: A Focus on African Americans

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2017 - 2024

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Education, Training & Certifications


University of Pennsylvania · 2009 Ph.D.
Columbia University · 2000 M.A.