Reeti

Gulati

Where is your hometown?
Winter Springs, FL (suburb of Orlando)

Where did you attend:
• Undergrad College/University: Caltech
• Medical School: Northwestern University
• Residency: Duke University

List your Medical and Non-Medical Honors and Awards:
“Early Career Investigator Award in Clinical/Translational Research” awarded by AASLD in 11/2024
“Poster of Distinction at the Liver Meeting” in 11/2024
“Faculty Resident Research Grant” by Duke IM Residency in 8/2024
“Camille Lange Rathbun Academic Scholarship” by Northwestern University in 2019

Tell us briefly about your background before embarking on your medical training?
I always knew I wanted to do something within STEM but was originally thinking of pursuing a research career within chemistry. I went to Caltech and dove into wet lab research, but ultimately did not find it to be the best fit for me. I ended up shadowing doctors and realized that was what I wanted to do as it gave me the perfect overlap between science and being able to help people directly.

Outline your career plans in gastroenterology (If you know it at this point in your training)?
I am not sure yet! Based on my experience in residency, I have found hepatology very engaging and impactful. I still want to explore other fields within GI during fellowship including general GI, advanced GI, esophagus, IBD, and explore hepatology further too to see what fits best with me. I do want to pursue an academic pathway incorporating medical education and research into my career.

What were you looking for in a fellowship program?
I was looking for a fellowship program that would provide strong clinical training while also fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. I wanted kind and invested mentors, fun and supportive co-fellows, and a place where I could feel comfortable being myself while growing both personally and professionally. In addition, I wanted a small city vibe so that it would be cozy, convenient, and also cute and fun.

What advice might you offer residents looking at fellowship programs?
Go to the pre-interview social event (even if on zoom) to see what the culture/vibe of the fellowship program is! It’s helpful to see if the co-fellows get along with each other, are friends, and are able to joke around/relax together. Also talk to the fellows at the program 1-on-1 as much as you can to ask about mentorship, research opportunities, and call schedule details. Asking about those things will help you figure out if the fellows feel like they are heard at their program and whether they can achieve a good work-life balance.

From your experience in fellowship, what have you learned about training at Duke?
From both my residency training at Duke and my fellowship training so far at Duke, I have consistently been pleased with how supportive of a training environment it has been. I have been fortunate to learn from welcoming and humble attendings who enjoy teaching, and work alongside co-fellows who genuinely support one another, while receiving strong, rigorous clinical training that will prepare me well for my career.

How is your life in the Triangle area outside of work?
I love living in the Triangle area! It’s the perfect mix of cozy, convenient, and plenty of things to do for fun. Durham has a growing food scene with plenty of diverse, delicious restaurants, lots of nearby beautiful walking trails to enjoy the outdoors, and a great brewery and cocktail bar scene as well. Going to the Durham farmer’s market is one of my favorite things to do every week when I can.

What is your favorite restaurant in Durham?
Pizzeria Toro! Best pizza in downtown Durham

List your hobbies and interests outside of work?
Playing tennis, pickleball, watching horrible reality TV shows (Love Island UK and USA especially), cooking with my partner, game nights with friends, watching Bollywood with family