Menu
Contact Us
Minority Health and Health Equity Research Center
PSB 307
2601 Gentilly Boulevard
New Orleans, Louisiana 70122
Ph. (504) 816-4001
Office Hours:
M-F 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Description: This annual prestigious lecture series brings together distinguished public health
professionals, scientists and scholars from across the nation whose work focuses on key aspects
of health equity and eliminating health disparities.
(Coming October 2024)
November 14, 2023 | 6:30-8:00 p.m. CST
This Lecture Series delved into the complex legacy of Dr. J. Marion Sims, a celebrated figure with statues erected in his honor and hailed as the eminent “father of modern gynecology”. Dr. Sims built a hospital in New York City and treated the elite and royalty in Europe, however, beneath the facade of heroism was a darker truth that revealed his acclaimed medical breakthrough treating obstetric fistulas resulted from years of experimental surgeries — conducted without anesthesia, on Anarcha, a young enslaved woman. The lecture and panel discussion, held from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in Georges Auditorium, captivated the audience with Hallman’s revelations, which also included the discovery that Dillard University President, Dr. Rochelle Ford, was a direct descendant of Anarcha through her maternal lineage. Other panelists included: Dr. Ene George (Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialist), Dr. Veronica Gillispie- Bell (OB-GYN and associate professor for Ochsner Health), Kaylan Tanner ‘21 (Reproductive Justice Activist) and Raven Ford (Daughter of DU President and Descendant of Anarcha).
From the Cotton Fields to the White House: The Dr. Joycelyn Elders Story
November 15, 2022 | 6:30-8:00 p.m. CST
The MHHERC hosted the inaugural Lecture Series with Dr. Joycelyn Elders, on November 15, 2022 in Georges Auditorium. Dr. Elders is the 15th Surgeon General of the United States, the first African American and second woman to hold the role. While her tenure as Surgeon General was frequently marked by controversy to her progressive policy, she continued to raise important public health issues that still resonate today. Guests previewed a special documentary screening of “From the Cotton Fields to the White House: The Dr. Joycelyn Elders Story,” by Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Dr. Sonnee Weedn. Dr. Elders then took the stage to answer questions from the audience which was moderated by Dillard University’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Corey Hebert.
Dedicated to improving the health of underserved populations in New Orleans and surrounding regions, the Dillard University Minority Health and Health Equity Research Center, formerly known as the minority health and health equity research center, researches health and healthcare inequalities among races and people. In addition to conducting research, the center informs the public and holds events that address health disparities in communities.
Director
Dr. Michelle R Smith
msmith@dillard.edu
Ph. (504) 816-5000
Office Coordinator
Dana Gumas
dgumas@dillard.edu
Ph. (504) 816-4001
Pre-Health Advisor
Latricia Tillman, MPH
Pre-Health Career Advisor
ltillman@dillard.edu
(504) 816-5702
Project Manager
Austin Banks Jr.
abanks@dillard.edu
(504) 816-4350
© 2024 – All Rights Reserved
