‘International leadership in reducing health disparities’ earns FHS alumnae Class honor
Recognized for her “international leadership in reducing health disparities through research on how structural racism and the social determinants of health perpetuate disparities among African Americans” according to a National Academy of Medicine press release, a Farragut High School alumnae from the mid-1980s once again has earned special recognition.
Monica E. Peek, MD, MPH, MSC, the Ellen H. Block Professor for Health Justice in the Department of Medicine at the University of Chicago, has been elected to the latest National Academy of Medicine class.
“Her cutting-edge research has informed national guidelines and best practices regarding shared decision-making between patients and physicians and community-engaged strategies to improve health among African Americans,” a NAM press release stated. “Election to the academy recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service and is considered one of the highest honors in the health and medical field.”
Moreover, Peek is among six members of the University of Chicago community who have been named a recipient of the University’s 2023 Diversity Leadership Award, “which recognizes University faculty, students, staff and alumni who have shown a commitment to fostering justice and equality,” a UC press release stated.
“Dr. Peek’s research concentrates on promoting equitable doctor-patient relationships among racial minorities, integrating medical and social needs and of patients, and addressing the impact of structural racism on health outcomes,” the release further stated. “She has published extensively on social determinants of ... health disparities and health care education.”
Peek also is associate vice-chair for research faculty development in the Department of Medicine, executive medical director of Community Health Innovations, associate director of the Chicago Center for Diabetes Translation Research and director of research/associate director of MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics.
“She is a renowned health services researcher, bioethicist and internist focused on health equity,” the UC release further stated. “As principal investigator on two multi-year clinical studies, Dr. Peek aims to improve diabetes care and medical outcomes for patients on the South Side of Chicago.
“Also, in her role as one of two inaugural Faculty Fellows in the Bucksbaum Institute for Clinical Excellence at the University of Chicago Medicine, she explores how racial and cultural barriers impact physician-patient relations and shared decision-making.”
Peek serves on the boards of several advocacy organizations and regularly is involved in community-based education activities. She is the author of more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and abstracts exploring health care disparities in minority populations.
Peek has served on the National Advisory Council of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, National Executive Council of the American Diabetes Association, National Council of the Society of General Internal Medicine and International Board of Directors for Physicians for Human Rights.
She was a planning committee member of the National Academies’ workshop series on Evolving Crisis Standards of Care and Lessons from COVID-19. Additionally, Peek helped develop COVID-19 Crisis Standards of Care for the state of Illinois and was a member of former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Racial Equity Rapid Response team.
Peek also is a consultant to CME Outfitters, leading a nationwide initiative to provide health equity education to clinicians.
