DALIYA RIZVI
Health Policy Specialist, Program II, Class of 2027
I am a third-year student at Duke University pursuing a Program II major focused on immuno-oncology and ethics on the pre-med track. My academic and professional interests lie at the intersection of science, healthcare, and policy—particularly how advocacy and storytelling can drive meaningful change in the U.S. healthcare system. Much of my family lives in Karachi, Pakistan, and because of that, I have long been exposed to the social determinants of health and the powerful ways in which our environments shape healthcare outcomes. This global perspective has been foundational in shaping my interest in health equity and my commitment to the work we do here at Helpdesk. During my sophomore year at Duke, I joined Helpdesk as a community resource navigator, working with patients at Lincoln Community Health Center to connect them with essential services. This direct engagement with patients highlighted the real-world implications of health disparities and deepened my resolve to make a difference beyond the clinical setting. Now, I serve as the North Carolina Health Policy Specialist for Helpdesk, which will allow me to work with fellow students local and regional representatives to advocate for health policy reforms that center equity, access, and the voices of the Durham community.
