ADVIKA KUMAR
Program Coordinator
Biology (B.S.) & Global Health (B.A.), Class of 2024
The crux of my interest in human health lies in its holistic nature: from biochemical pathways to complex social determinants, a countless number of factors shape our overall well being. At Duke, I have explored this interest through biomedical lab work and community health research. These experiences have taught me that there is a need to actively ensure that a patient’s social needs are being met outside the clinical setting in order to improve their overall quality of life as well as their health outcomes. I plan to enrich my understanding of these social needs through Help Desk. As a Help Desk volunteer, I want to form lasting connections with the Durham community and become an advocate for the vulnerable populations we serve. In the future, I hope to become a physician and incorporate this experience with motivational interviewing and community engagement to provide an empathetic, well-informed approach to patient care.
