For his studies of the metabolism of the tubercle bacillus, which eventually led to effective medications, pharmacologist Frederick Bernheim is nominated for the Nobel Prize.
- Nursing education degree
The School of Nursing launches a bachelor of science in nursing education degree.
- Hospital Expansion
The first wing is added to Duke Hospital.
- Army hospital authorized
The 65th General Hospital was authorized as an affiliated unit of the Duke University School of Medicine on 17 October. This unit, staffed primarily by Duke University Medical Center doctors, served as a general hospital with the 8th U.S. Army Air Force in England during World War II.
- Alumni association organized
Duke's Medical Alumni Association is organized.
- Directorship of Highland Hospital
Duke assumes directorship of Highland Hospital in Asheville. Duke's Department of Neuropsychiatry, under the direction of Richard S. Lyman, provides mental health services to patients in western North Carolina.
- Research building opens
Bell Research Building opened as the first building of the medical center that wasn't connected with the main buildings.
- LPN Program
Duke’s licensed practical nursing (LPN) program begins. Although there were already several others in the state, Duke’s is the only one in North Carolina established exclusively for training African American nurses.
- First Black consulting physician
Dr. Robert Dawson is appointed as the first Black consultant to the Department of Ophthalmology.