During my DIHI scholar’s year, I had the incredible opportunity to engage in the intersection of medicine and a variety of disciplines. My primary project was the Voices of Duke Health Listening Booth podcast, for which I was the host. Through this experience, I was able to have vulnerable conversations with members of the Duke Health community from patients to nurses to physicians to some of the most senior administrators. From this experience, I was not only able to hear some of the most inspiring and joyful and painful stories that people in our community experienced, but I was also able to understand the power of humanities in medicine, the power of providing a space to share stories. It was quite the moment to be able to see the solace that people had in sharing their stories in our space, and also hear the listeners relate to the messages and stories that individuals shared on our podcast.

While this was my primary involvement, DIHI also afforded me opportunities to learn about the intersection of data science and medicine through predictive models for cardiogenic shock. I’ve been able to employ my previous coding experience to greatly expand my knowledge of the capabilities
of coding. Furthermore, as a DIHI scholar, we were entrenched in discussions surrounding innovation, leadership, management, and health policy both in the context of Duke Health and our nation at large. This opportunity has been invaluable to me as it’s help guide my interests for my future career.

As I approach my fourth year, I plan to apply to a Pediatrics residency to pursue general pediatrics. During my residency and after, I hope to be able to engage in health policy research. As I progress in my career, I also hope to be a part of hospital administration. The background and interests I’ve cultivated during my time at DIHI will be invaluable as I aim to pursue these two areas in my career. DIHI has equipped me with the knowledge and courage to be able to engage with and change both of these arenas.

Above all, DIHI has taught me that even in healthcare, there is always room for innovation and for pushing the boundaries. From what I’ve learned at DIHI, even a single individual (like me!) can instigate this change. While the healthcare system can at times seem rigid in their processes, I think that innovation in healthcare and the necessity for it will become more and more evident and desired.