Where is your hometown?
Edina, Minnesota
Education and Training
College/University: Stanford University (2004 - 2008)
Medical School: Harvard Medical School (2009 - 2014)
Residency: Duke University (2014 - 2017)
GI Fellowship: Duke University (2017 - 2021, with 2018/2019 as IMR Chief Resident)
Honors and Awards
- 2021 AASLD Advanced/Transplant Hepatology Educational Award
- 2020/2021 Best GI Grand Rounds Presentation by a Fellow
- 2019/2020 Rodger Liddle Award for Service, Durham VA Medical Center
- 2019/2020 Best GI Grand Rounds Presentation by a Fellow
- 2020 Mario Family Foundation Award
- 2018/2019 Chief Medicine Resident, Durham VA Medical Center
- 2018 Inductee, Robert Lefkowitz Society
- 2017 Best Resident Poster Award, Duke GI Research Night
- 2015 Emerging Liver Scholar, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
- 2008 Robert M. Golden Medal for Excellence in the Humanities and Creative Arts
- 2008 Stanford Class of 2008 Award of Excellence
- 2007 Cap and Gown, Society of Women Leaders at Stanford
Fellow Perspective
Tell us briefly about your background before embarking on your medical training:
I studied Political Science and Ethics at Stanford. I was debating nonprofit work versus medical school, and I worked at a youth mentoring nonprofit in the Bay Area (Friends for Youth) after graduating from college. I decided medical school would give me the practical skills to work on some of the disparities I witnessed.
Please outline your career plans in gastroenterology (If you know it at this point in your training):
I plan to stay in academics as a hepatologist and clinician-scientist.
What were you looking for in a fellowship program?
I wanted a well-rounded program. Although I differentiated into hepatology and research early (during an extra research year in medical school), having strong clinical and procedural training was really important to me. I wanted to maintain my clinical skills during my research time. I also was looking for a program with outstanding mentorship where fellows successfully transitioned to faculty.
What advice might you offer residents looking at fellowship programs?
Make a list of must-haves, even if the list is short. For me, that was guaranteed research time. I couples matched with my husband, who is a Cardiology fellow at Duke, and we were able to move programs up and down based on our must-have lists.
From your experience in fellowship, what have you learned about training at Duke?
The mentorship has been amazing, and that is so crucial. I was not sure how I wanted to spend my T32 time—my background is largely translational but I wanted to join a basic science lab to gain some new skills. Our division chief Andrew Muir and I had several lengthy meetings to hash things out. When I identified my current mentoring team, he met with them separately to make sure the fit seemed right. Having someone invest in you like that is just awesome.
How is your life in the Triangle area outside of work?
Amazing! We bought a house in Hillsborough (small town vibe but only a 15 minute commute) and love the extra space and quiet. We have gotten to know our neighbors well. We just welcomed a second daughter to our family and spend a lot of time running after our toddler. We lived in Durham for all of residency and enjoyed the Duke Forest trails, restaurants/bars downtown, and baseball games.
What is your favorite restaurant in Durham?
Antonia’s in Hillsborough. Durham has tons of great options, but Taberna Tapas downtown is probably our top. We still go there for date nights!
Please tell us about some of your hobbies and interests outside of work:
Running. My last half marathon was October of 2019, once I recover from having the second baby and races are safe again, I’m hoping to sign up for another!
Active social media sites:
Twitter: @kwegermann