Genevieve Embree, MD, MPH, works at the Durham VA Medical Center and is the Deputy Chief for the Office of Public Health/Epidemiology. Learn more about her in our interview below.
What brought you to Duke?
I first came to Duke for Medical School in 2006, met my husband in Durham, and have been in the Triangle ever since. I'm grateful for Duke's partnership with the VA and for the opportunity to work with Duke trainees and joint Duke-VA staff.
What are your interests in the field?
I trained in Internal Medicine and Preventive Medicine and am grateful for the opportunity to use my public health training to lead initiatives that focus on health promotion and disease prevention, both in the primary care setting and across the health system.
I trained in Internal Medicine and Preventive Medicine and am grateful for the opportunity to use my public health training to lead initiatives that focus on health promotion and disease prevention, both in the primary care setting and across the health system.
-Dr. Genevieve Embree
How did you get into this specific field?
I'm an idealist and it seems obvious to me that health care should focus more on health promotion and disease prevention; however, doctors are primarily trained to treat sickness and most payment models reward late-stage interventions. I like to think about systems and how we can serve our patients better. One of the reasons I chose to work at the VA specifically is because of the model of care that was originally designed to incentivize promoting Veterans' health.
Can you tell us about your research?
As the Durham VA COVID-19 Vaccine Coordinator, I created a survey assessing vaccination intention among Durham VA employees and trainees when COVID-19 vaccines first became available in December 2020. That data allowed us to offer vaccines to all employees and trainees within 1 week of receiving our initial allocation, which was the fastest rollout across all VAs and most health systems in the country. The survey was also the basis of work done in partnership with our Health Services Research team which was recently published in Vaccine: "COVID-19 vaccination intention and activation among health care system employees: A mixed methods study." Durham VA is a Janssen COVID-19 vaccine phase 3 clinical trial site and I serve on the research team for our site. My interests are broad and extend to almost all things public health and prevention.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing ultimate frisbee, singing (I sang in the Duke Chapel Choir in medical school), canoeing/hiking/camping, playing cards/board games, cooking/baking, and laughing (usually at myself).
Any recent books you've read that you would like to share?
I'm looking forward to reading "For The Hurt Of My People" which will be released later this month, written by a long-time friend who was one of my inspirations to go into the field of Public Health. Dr. Jarvis believes that attitudes toward public health should be based on facts and outcomes rather than political influence.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I did the worm and some cartwheels as comic relief for our staff during some of our weekend COVID-19 vaccine blitzes (vaccinating 2800+ people in a weekend!).
What is your favorite food?
It's hard to pick just one... almost anything with fresh ingredients and good flavor, especially when enjoyed with good company. Maybe my grandmother's cherry pie?
What is your favorite restaurant?
Pizzeria Toro, Mediterranean Deli, Watt's Grocery (before it closed)