Ashley

Jowell

Where is your hometown?
Durham, NC

Where did you attend:
• Undergrad College/University: Stanford University
• Medical School: Stanford University School of Medicine
• Residency: Duke

List your Medical and Non-Medical Honors and Awards:
• American Association for the Study of Liver Disease Foundation Abstract Award (2024)
• United States Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Award (2021)
• Kennedy-Diamond Graduate Award for Excellence in Community Engaged Learning and Research (2021)

Tell us briefly about your background before embarking on your medical training?
I studied Human Biology for my undergraduate degree, and focused my studies on the intersection of environmental change and human health. I then completed a masters in Earth Systems at Stanford and worked at the Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health for a year. Here, I conducted research in global health and also supported with event programming. My background in global health and environmental studies have shaped my research interests in environmental health and hepatology today.

Outline your career plans in gastroenterology (If you know it at this point in your training)?
I am planning to pursue a career in Hepatology. I am a research track fellow, and my research interests lie at the intersection of environmental health and hepatology. I hope to integrate my research interests with clinical work as a transplant hepatologist!

What were you looking for in a fellowship program?
I was looking for a program where I knew I would get excellent clinical and endoscopic training alongside strong research mentorship and support. The mentorship at Duke GI is phenomenal, and I was looking for this type of dedication to my learning and growth in a fellowship program. In addition, we have a robust liver transplant program, which was important to me as an aspiring Hepatologist.

What advice might you offer residents looking at fellowship programs?
Find a place where the program is dedicated to your learning, career goals, and also life outside of work. I’m so thankful to have found this at Duke GI!

From your experience in fellowship, what have you learned about training at Duke?
The commitment to our training and growth is simply unbelievable! All of the attendings I have worked with have been so dedicated to my learning - on the wards, in the endoscopy suite, and through our educational programming / didactics. They are kind, brilliant, and extremely approachable. All of the staff here have been very patient and equally supportive with us as we embark on this new chapter in our training, and I am thankful for that! The culture here is awesome, encouraging, and responsive to our feedback and I am really grateful for that.

How is your life in the Triangle area outside of work?
I have a beautiful baby daughter named Nora who I adore, and love spending time with her, my husband, dog Kylo, and family. I also have a really wonderful community of friends and family, and I am so thankful for that!

What is your favorite restaurant in Durham?
My favorite restaurant is Lime and Lemon! I also love Joe Van Gogh for coffee

List your hobbies and interests outside of work?
Hanging out with my family / friends (especially playing with my beautiful daughter and niece), going on walks or hikes with Kylo, riding my Peloton, and baking. I also love reading when I can!

List any professional social media sites you would like to share (X, Linkedln, etc):
X - @Ashley_Jowell