Mentorship
The Dr. Fancy Effect: Mentorship is at the heart of my work. I believe in creating spaces where trainees feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow into the clinicians and scientists they are becoming. This page highlights the people, moments, and resources that shape my mentorship philosophy and the community we’re building together.
Mentorship in Action:
A glimpse into the relationships and moments that define my mentorship journey - from conferences and presentations to everyday wins with the trainees I’m honored to support.
Resources for Trainees:
Practical, high‑yield tools created to support students and trainees as they navigate medical training. These resources are designed to be accessible, reflective, and grounded in real clinical experience.
This is a concise, practical guide designed to support medical students as they navigate their clinical clerkships. It introduces students to the emotional, cognitive, and identity-shaping impact of traumatic experiences encountered during clinical training.
This paper introduces the OWTFD Approach, a practical framework for responding to racism, discrimination, and microaggressions in clinical and educational settings. It offers language, structure, and guidance for moments when trainees and clinicians feel caught off guard or unsure how to speak up. The model supports more intentional, accountable, and emotionally aware responses.
Where mentorship becomes momentum
A dedicated space for growth, clarity, and the intentional shaping of future leaders in medicine, research, and creative scholarship.
This is where strategy meets support and where your next level begins.
I am committed to widening the path for the next generation of clinician‑leaders and physician‑scientists. As a mentor, I support trainees across the continuum, from medical students to residents and fellows, helping them build the skills, confidence, and clarity needed to thrive in academic medicine.
As an early‑career faculty member, I also serve as a peer mentor and collaborator to other physicians and scientists across the country. Together, we navigate the realities of research, clinical practice, and academic advancement, sharing strategies that strengthen our collective impact.
My mentorship is grounded in authenticity and community. Whether guiding trainees, partnering with colleagues, or contributing to national initiatives, I am committed to building a more inclusive, supportive, and sustainable future for those who aspire to lead in medicine and science.
Mentorship Pathways
Structured programs designed for:
Clinician‑Scientists
Aligning clinical interests with research goals
Manuscript, grant, and project strategy
Building a sustainable academic identity
Networking and collaboration strategy
Balancing clinical load with research productivity
Medical Trainees
Navigating early career uncertainty
Residency and fellowship strategy
CV and personal statement refinement
Creatives & Hybrid Professionals
Integrating personal brand with professional purpose
Building a cohesive brand narrative
Designing a multi‑path career strategy
Workshops & Group Sessions
Interactive learning experiences on:
Grant writing
Manuscript development
Presentation and communication skills
Strategic career planning
Mentee Testimonials: The voices of the students and trainees who make this work meaningful. Their reflections highlight the impact of mentorship, community, and shared growth.
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Sierra Stevens – M.S. of Health Sciences Meharry Medical College
I have had the privilege of being mentored by Dr. Francesca Duncan since I started at Auburn University in 2021, and her guidance has played a pivotal role in shaping my academic and professional path. Under her mentorship, I gained not only insight into the medical field but also the confidence to pursue opportunities that would challenge and grow me. It was through her encouragement that I explored graduate programs, ultimately leading me to pursue my Masters of Health Sciences at Meharry Medical College.
Throughout our time working together, Dr. Duncan has consistently provided support, wisdom, and encouragement, helping me navigate important decisions and remain focused on my long-term goals in medicine. Her mentorship has had a lasting impact on my journey, reinforcing my commitment to serving others and continuing to grow within the healthcare field. -
Alejandro Carrassco, DO – Indiana University School of Medicine Internal Medicine Resident, PGY-2
Having worked closely with Dr. Duncan, I have had the opportunity to engage in lung cancer screening (LCS) research focused on improving equitable access and implementation, particularly within minoritized communities. As someone who identifies as underrepresented in medicine, her mentorship has been especially impactful, offering not only research guidance but also advocacy, sponsorship, and meaningful support in navigating academic medicine. Through projects addressing barriers to LCS uptake and disparities in LCS, I have had the opportunity to contribute to abstracts, case reports, and peer-reviewed manuscript publications that reflect our shared commitment to advancing public health and health equity. These experiences have strengthened my academic foundation and enhanced my preparation for applying to pulmonary and critical care fellowship, while reinforcing my commitment to continue advocating for the expansion of equitable access to LCS.
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Mariel Luna, MD – Emory University School of Medicine, Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Fellow, PGY-5
I’ve had the privilege of being mentored by Dr. Francesca Duncan during my training at Indiana University, and her guidance played a formative role in my development as a physician-scholar and advocate for health equity. From early on, Dr. Duncan took a genuine interest in my growth, not only as a researcher but as a future leader in medicine.
Under her mentorship, I was involved in a wide range of meaningful projects—from clinical research and case reports to community health fairs and outreach efforts focused on addressing disparities in pulmonary health. She consistently created opportunities for me to take ownership of projects while providing the necessary support, structure, and encouragement. Her mentorship struck a rare balance between high expectations and an unwavering belief in her trainees.
Dr. Duncan was also an instrumental advocate during key moments in my training. She supported my applications for the American Thoracic Society Underrepresented in Medicine Scholarship and the IU School of Medicine Research Grant, both of which were pivotal in allowing me to fund research aligned with my interests. Her guidance went far beyond letters of support; she actively invested time in feedback and career advising.
What sets Dr. Duncan apart is her authenticity and sustained commitment to her mentees. She mentors with intention, generosity, and a deep understanding of the barriers faced by trainees from underrepresented backgrounds. I am incredibly grateful for her mentorship and continue to carry forward the lessons she instilled in me.
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Mychael Spencer, MD – Indiana University School of Medicine, MS IV
Dr. Duncan has been a defining mentor in my development, not just in research, but in how I think about medicine more broadly. Through our work together, she pushed me to move beyond recognizing health disparities to actually learning how to study them and contribute to meaningful solutions. She was equally intentional about my personal growth, taking the time to understand my interests and creating space for me to develop the skills that mattered most to me and my professional development. Her support during my residency application process reflected the same level of investment and advocacy she brings to all her mentees. I’m deeply grateful for her mentorship and the lasting impact it has had on how I approach both research and patient care.