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Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Dane Whicker is a clinical health psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. He specializes in conducting therapy for LGBTQ+ adolescents and adults as well as behavioral health assessments for transgender individuals seeking medical transition within an interdisciplinary care team. He is also intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
As the Co-Director of the Equity in Research Core at Duke’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), Dr. Whicker is responsible for curricular development, providing consultations, workshops, and consultations. This work is aimed at promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in research, particularly in the realm of sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation. He enjoys being involved in several research projects related to developing new measurements for gender dysphoria in pediatric populations, and as a member of the Duke Sexual and Gender Minority Health Program, which focuses on health disparities in the LGBTQ+ population in the US and Global South.
Dr. Whicker is also the Director of Gender and Sexual Diversity Initiatives in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Duke School of Medicine. He enjoys serving as the faculty advisor for the LGBTQ+ medical student affinity group, DukeMed Pride.
Dr. Whicker co-chairs the School of Medicine's Sexual and Gender Diversity Advisory Council, working with clinicians, administrators, and researchers to implement strategic initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion for the Duke LGBTQ+ community.
Dr. Whicker also enjoys teaching. He teaches 1st year MD, PA, and DPT students about cultural determinants of health and health disparities. Since coming to Duke, Dr. Whicker has conducted over 80 trainings and workshops on best practices on topics related to LGBTQ+ healthcare, research, and training within and outside of Duke.
Current Research Interests
Dr. Whicker's current research interests are broadly focused on gender, sexual orientation, and application of cognitive behavioral interventions for LGBTQ+ youth, adults, and their families. His active research program includes projects focused on body awareness in transgender youth and measure development for pediatric gender dysphoria.