Hi! My name is Angela Xiong and I am from Fremont, California. Growing up in a low-income subsidized apartment complex, I have directly observed the barriers that prevent minority and underrepresented individuals from accessing healthcare. Dismantling these barriers, known as the social determinants of health, is what drives my academic pursuit of becoming a physician. At Duke, I intend to major in Medical Sociology with a minor in Chemistry. Through examining the interface between sociology and health-related issues, I seek to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms driving health disparities in the United States.
In the future, I aspire to specialize in Pediatric Oncology. As a physician, I seek to empathetically connect with my patients and their families, addressing needs that extend beyond physical ailments. Health is complexly interwoven with a myriad of social factors including socioeconomic status, race, and environment; I seek to incorporate such considerations in how I practice medicine. My background as a first-generation, low-income student hailing from an immigrant family inspires my passion for serving minority and underprivileged individuals and communities.
My previous research experience at Stanford University and UCSF has further emboldened my interest in the field of Pediatric Oncology. At UCSF, I conducted research in regenerative medicine using induced pluripotent stem cells – a promising area of study for cancer treatments. At Stanford University, I participated in the Pediatric Internship Program where I conducted immunoengineering research using CRISPR, while simultaneously deepening my knowledge and appreciation for Pediatrics. At Duke, I seek to pursue Oncology and Hematology research through the Duke Cancer Institute.
Beyond academics, I am eager to immerse myself in Duke’s diverse and driven community of novel-thinkers, and empathetic peers. Currently, I am involved with Duke Student Government, serving as a first-year senator on the Equity and Outreach Committee. I am looking forward to volunteering at the Puppy Kindergarten, building a community at Duke LIFE, writing for the Duke Health Equity Journal, and learning American Sign Language through Duke’s ASL Club. I am thrilled to be a Cardea Fellow and to explore the endless array of possibilities that lay ahead of me in these next four years!
“As a Cardea Fellow, I find myself enveloped in a compassionate community that facilitates the intersection of my academic, professional, and personal growth. In essence, Cardea offers all-encompassing support essential to my journey toward success at Duke, both as a pre-med student and as an individual. ”
