Nicholas
Perkons
Nicholas  Perkons
Intern
House Staff

Basics

Hometown
Kendall Park, NJ

College/University
Harvard University

Medical School
University of Pennsylvania

Advanced Degrees
PhD in Bioengineering from University of Pennsylvania

What are your career goals?
I am pursuing a career in academic Interventional Radiology. I hope to contribute to the further development of advanced diagnostic and treatment strategies for GI malignancies.

Reflections on the Duke Program

What were you looking for in a residency program?
I was looking for a program that provides a rigorous foundation in the principles of Internal Medicine. I also was seeking a program with a strong sense of community where preliminary residents are treated as full members of that community.

What are the strengths of the Duke Program?
The 4+2 program and the nearly seamless integration of preliminary residents into the Medicine residency!

What are your observations about the relationships between faculty and house staff?
Everyone is extremely friendly and welcoming! As someone who is new to Duke, I have felt that the collegial relationship between faculty and house staff has helped me to ease into a new institution (and residency more broadly) very easily.

Tell us about your co-residents. What has helped you connect, support each other, and form friendships?
Making connections outside of work, particularly during our +2 weeks.

What has surprised you most about Duke?
How willing everyone is to lend a helping hand to one another.

About Life in Durham

What is the best thing about living in Durham and the Triangle?
The food scene! I have what seems like an endless list of suggestions to try out in the Triangle from my co-residents and attendings.

What advice would you give to someone looking to move to Durham?
It is an extremely welcoming and affordable place to live that provides many of the benefits of city living (incredible restaurants, proximity to entertainment) with the ability to enjoy the benefits of suburban living (no parking anxiety, large grocery stores, green space) without having to live too far from work.

What are your interests outside of medicine?
In my spare time I enjoy hiking and cycling, including with my wife Michelle and our dog Ella. The Eno River trail has become a favorite stop for the 3 of us.

House Staff