Dr. Meeks is the founder and co-director of the DocsWithDisabilities initiative and podcast, which was described in the award announcement as a "standout achievement." The Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University and the Social Mission Alliance recently announced the awards which recognize “outstanding leadership in promoting social mission in health professions education.”
Dr. Meeks, also an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine praised her colleagues and the numerous teams she works with, while expressing gratitude for the award. "For me, it's truly all about the people I work with. The mutual trust and respect that allows everyone to thrive," Dr. Meeks told DLHS. "In times of difficulty, it is the unwavering support of my colleagues and co-investigators, who are unequivocally committed, that sustains me through the challenges, be it the rigors of work, or personal loss and health setbacks."
Dr. Meeks said the last three years presented several difficulties that "tested (her) resilience (but) sparked a deeper commitment to justice in all forms." She said: “I hope observers can discern the inherent value of our collaborative efforts and approach, mutual reliance, and how establishing safe learning and work environments that embrace diverse identities lifts everyone.”
President of the Lasker Foundation and chair of the awards sub-committee, Claire Pomeroy, MD, MBA, described Dr. Meeks' work as ensuring the creation of "more inclusive organizational cultures and raising awareness." According to Executive Director of the Social Mission Alliance, Toyese Oyeyemi, MPH, MCHES, "Her (Dr. Meeks) partnerships with Health Professions Associations, her engagement with health professions communities, and the DocsWithDisabilities podcast are standout achievements." DocsWithDisabilities shares stories of clinicians with disabilities and has an audience in more than 100 countries.
Dr. Meeks' daily inspiration comes from her grandson, Charlie. "To see and experience the world through the eyes of a child is to remove all the bias, all the worry, all the inequities of our modern-day society and to just be in the moment. He is quite literally my favorite human being."
The awards will be presented at a special recognition ceremony on April 8th during the 2024 Social Mission Alliance Conference in Durham, North Carolina. Each awardee receives $2,500 and a commemorative plaque. Dr. Meeks told Family Medicine that she intends to donate the award to a student support fund that provides coverage for travel expenses, equipment, accommodations, and other needs for trainees with disabilities to participate in research through the Meeks Lab at the University of Michigan.
Dr. Meeks also recently received the 2024 Macy Foundation Catalyst Award. More: https://bit.ly/3INZwsO
