Demi Wilson

Biology, Evolutionary Anthropology & Chemistry

My interest in healthcare began in the seventh grade when I injured my right heel. I was captivated by the treatment approach, which relied on exercises with the goal of obtaining pain relief. Believing that I wanted to pursue physical therapy as a career, I shadowed a physical therapist four years later. I realized that I loved the interpersonal aspect of healthcare, as I loved talking with the patients and learning more about their stories. I was also fascinated by the science behind rehabilitation as a means of improving mobility and reducing pain. This was a gateway to my interest in healthcare and helped solidify my interest in human evolutionary biomechanics and physiology. 

Currently, I maintain an interest in biomechanics and physiology but aspire to pursue medicine because I am intrigued by its many pathways. I realized that I want to play a vital role in getting to know patients along with diagnosing and treating all aspects of illnesses, injuries, and diseases. I want to be a well-rounded, empathetic physician that values patient education and scientific communication. I hope to gain the trust of my community and be someone that they can depend on.

Outside of Duke, I volunteer in hospitals as a reading cart and patient transport volunteer. I also taught English in Dakar, Senegal and volunteered at a senior daycare in my hometown. At Duke, I am the Co-President of the Minority Association of Premedical Students (MAPS), Cardea Fellows Vice President of Academic Engagement, on the NAACP healthcare committee, on the Duke University Student Dining Advisory Committee (DUSDAC), and a Huang Fellow. In the Animal Locomotion Lab, I conduct gait, ground reaction force, and hemipelvectomy research. In my free time, I love learning about food/culinary history and am constantly looking for new restaurants to try in Durham. Additionally, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and watching documentaries!