Medical Instructor
Duke University Health System
Board certified in psychiatry and internal medicine, I am interested in studying the relationship between the body and mind. My work on mental-stress induced myocardial ischemia reflects an effort to identify biomarkers that are correlated with emotional states and traits. If these markers can be identified, future research and treatment can be pursued to target certain emotions to improve the somatic health of patients. Related to the mind-body connection, I have an interest the contribution of mental illness and social determinants to health outcomes. This has led to health services research around the outcomes of patients experiencing homelessness.
My research goal is to use biological science research to better understand the importance of psychological health to somatic health, and to explore ways that the somatic health of patients with mental illness is changed when they receive psychosocial support and treatment.