New Medical Sociology Course Launches for Cook-NEON Scholars Nationwide
Duke undergraduate and graduate students support the course as Teaching Fellows, creating a strong, community‑centered learning environment.
This semester marks the launch of Medical Sociology, the first credit‑bearing course developed through the Cook–NEON partnership—an initiative between the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity, Duke University, and the National Education Opportunity Network (NEON) that is bringing college‑level learning to more than 200 talented high school students from low‑income communities nationwide, with additional courses planned for future semesters.
Taught by Tyson Brown, Cook Center director and Duke professor, Medical Sociology introduces students to the ways social structures, policy, discrimination, and institutional power shape health outcomes. Through Brown’s lectures and guided learning modules, scholars explore key topics including racial and socioeconomic health disparities, medicalization, neighborhood environments, and the organization of the U.S. health care system.
A central feature of this initiative is the support students receive from their high school co‑teachers and from the Cook–NEON Teaching Fellows—Duke undergraduate and graduate students who serve as college near‑peer mentors, leading weekly virtual discussion sessions, deepening students’ understanding of course material, and offering guidance on navigating college pathways. NEON staff provide ongoing training and community‑building that strengthens the experience for scholars and educators alike.
Together, Duke, the Cook Center, and NEON are expanding access to high-quality, equity-driven educational opportunities that empower young people to question, analyze, and shape the social forces that influence health and well‑being.
A video welcome message from Brown to his students is available below:
David Gonzalez Chavez, Cook-NEON Co-Lead Teaching Fellow, leads a small group discussion with teaching fellows, outlining their role in mentoring and supporting high school scholars nationwide.
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Dr. Tyson Brown welcomes and orients the Cook–NEON Teaching Fellows—Duke students who will guide weekly discussions and support NEON scholars throughout the course.
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