Name and Degree(s):

Kirsten Martin, MD

Where are you from?

Novato, CA (Bay Area)

Education and Training

College/University: University of California, San Diego
Medical School: University of Vermont College of Medicine 
Residency: Medstar Georgetown University Hospital - Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Residency Program

Honors, Awards, and Distinctions

Chief Resident 2024

Fellow's Perspective

What are your career goals?

I want to pursue a career in academic medicine that allows me to provide longitudinal care to patients with kidney disease, integrate innovations in evidence based medicine into my everyday practice, and tailor care to the patient in front of me. I would ideally like to have a focus on transitions of care from pediatric to adult care given my med/peds background.

What were you looking for in a fellowship program?

I wanted a program that offered a balance of excellent well-rounded training, and a strong sense of community. Nephrology fellowship can be challenging but it should also be fun, and it seemed like the fellows here really were able to enjoy their training and leave well prepared for their next steps. 

Which Scholar pathway will you choose and why?

I will be pursuing the 2 year clinician concentration pathway as I would like clinical medicine to make up the bulk of my career. However, I still plan to take advantage of Duke's strong research opportunities to ensure I leave residency with competency in participating in research projects.

What are the strengths of the Duke program?

This has been such a welcoming community to join and be a part of. Before I even arrived in Durham I felt like I had a support system in the nephrology program which made the move much less daunting than any move I have made before. We also have such a strong advocate in Dr. Sparks, who is constantly looking for ways to make things better, eliciting feedback and making meaningful changes. I feel so lucky to get to be part of this program!