MSU honors Azary, Anthony for inclusive work and service to others

February 25, 2025

Two College of Human Medicine faculty were honored at the Michigan State University 2024-25 Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards Ceremony held earlier this month at the University Club. Each year, the university recognizes the emerging and/or sustained efforts made toward advancing inclusive excellence.

Hend Azhary, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine, received the Individual Award. The recognition highlights her continued commitment to providing medical relief to unprivileged and vulnerable populations, which includes several medical aid missions to refugee camps across the Middle East. With 14 years of experience in global health leadership, she continues to display her dedication by serving displaced populations from Syria, her war-torn home country.

“Dr. Azhary does amazing humanitarian work, caring for refugees with no other access to medical care, and organizes large teams to deliver comprehensive medical and dental services,” said Julie Phillips, MD, MPH, chair of the Department of Family Medicine. “She is also a great role model for students, residents, and her colleagues in this work. We are fortunate to have her as a part of the college and the university.”

James Anthony, PhD, MSc, professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Anthony, a renowned scholar and advocate dedicated to advancing public health research and fostering inclusion in academia and public health work, achieved distinction through a lifetime of groundbreaking contributions to epidemiology and a deep commitment to mentorship.

Across his career, Anthony has combined scientific rigor with an unwavering dedication to equity, leaving an indelible mark on both his field and the lives of those he has mentored. His lifetime achievements reflect a profound belief in the power of education, opportunity and service to others.


Photos by Dane Robison