As part of Black History Month, Women In Bio Chicago presents Faces of Medicine at the Instituto Cervantes, a documentary about the journey of trailblazing black women physicians showcasing their impact on healthcare and medical equity. This screening aims to create a space for reflection and dialogue on representation in medicine and the barriers that persist for underrepresented communities. For the Hispanic community, where many people of color face similar challenges in accessing opportunities and professional recognition, the stories of these physicians serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity in science and healthcare.

We invite you to join this conversation and discover stories that inspire change. Ticket includes appetizers and two drink tickets.

Program

5:30 p.m. – 6:10 p.m.  Networking
6:10 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Film Screening
7:00 p.m. – 7:40 p.m.  Film Discussion
7:40 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.  Networking
8:15 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  Wrap-up

Speaker Bios

Denise Asafu-Adjei, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Urology at the University of Chicago

Dr. Denise Asafu-Adjei is a trailblazing Board-certified urologist, researcher, and health policy champion. She is a proud second-generation Ghanaian-American and a native of Bronx, NY. She is an Assistant Professor of Urology at the University of Chicago and serves as the Director of Men’s Health and Male Reproductive Medicine. She is also an affiliate faculty at the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health at Loyola University Chicago. Her clinical research interests focus on erectile dysfunction and preventive health and the incorporation of artificial intelligence into men’s health access. Dr. Asafu-Adjei completed an Andrology Fellowship at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) from 2020-2021. She completed her Urology residency at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She received her MD from the University of Michigan Medical School. During medical school, she obtained an MPH in health policy and management from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She is a proud alumnus of Carnegie Mellon University and is completing her tenure on the University's Alumni Board in Spring 2025. Dr. Asafu-Adjei is actively involved in her professional societies, having served on several regional and national committees with the American Urological Association, National Medical Association, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Sexual Medicine Society of North America, and International Society for Sexual Medicine. She has long committed to community service and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and The Links, Inc. Her hobbies include leisure travel (38 countries and counting), watching documentaries, golf, cooking, and trying new cuisines.

Paris Thomas, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Equal Hope

Dr. Paris Thomas is a dynamic and accomplished healthcare professional passionate about promoting health equity and community wellness. As the Chief Executive Officer of Equal Hope since 2022, Dr. Thomas leads strategic initiatives to address health disparities and improve healthcare access for underserved populations. Her expertise spans various areas, including community health management, quality improvement, and program operations. Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, Dr. Thomas's passion for health equity stems from witnessing healthcare disparities within her own family. Her career focuses on promoting health through intersectionality and innovative strategies to improve care access for under-resourced communities. Dr. Thomas holds a PhD in health & human sciences from Northern Illinois University, an MS in public health education from the University of Cincinnati, and a BS in exercise physiology from Grand Valley State University. Throughout her career, Dr. Thomas has demonstrated a commitment to public health education and research. She has led health equity initiatives across various healthcare sectors, including federally qualified health centers, managed care organizations, quality improvement agencies, and hospitals. She consistently champions creating an equitable healthcare system for all races and socioeconomic backgrounds. As a published researcher, Dr. Thomas has contributed to studies on community violence, COVID-19 interventions, and vaccine uptake among diverse populations. Her work reflects a deep commitment to addressing health inequities and improving outcomes for underserved communities. She balances her professional pursuits with her role as a wife and mother of three. With a proven track record of success in program management, research, and community engagement, Dr. Paris Thomas continues to make significant contributions to the field of public health and health equity.

Pricing Information

• Members: Free
• Non-Members*: $20
• Students: $10

*Not a Member? Click here to learn about the benefits of a WIB Membership — access to our video library, mentorship groups, and more. 

Please read WIB's Code of Conduct, In-Person Event Waiver, and Refund Policy.

Note: A confirmation email will be sent after registration has been completed. 

Maximum Capacity

130

Parking Information

There's a parking garage across the street from the building, and street parking is available.

Public Transit Information

The venue is CTA accessible.

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