Demi Wilson
2026
Charlotte, North Carolina
Biology, Evolutionary Anthropology & Chemistry
My interest in healthcare started in seventh grade when I injured my right heel. My mom took me to the doctor and I received help from a kind woman who provided me with a list of stretches and exercises to do. I was captivated by this approach of completing exercises with the goal of obtaining relief from pain. Not knowing the profession of this kind woman, I asked my mom who told me that the woman who helped me was a physical therapist.
Four years later, I shadowed a physical therapist, seeing the day to day activities involved with this profession but also building relationships with patients. I realized that 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. I am grateful for this opportunity as it allowed me to narrow down my academic interest in human evolutionary biomechanics and physiology. Currently, I aspire to be a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, also known as a physiatrist. I strongly believe that this field combines my academic interests and my love of getting to know people. Rehabilitation is a process that will allow me to be with the patient every step of the way.
Outside of Duke, I have experience volunteering at a senior daycare center and shadowing a physician. Both experiences helped me solidify my interest in medicine. At Duke, I am the Vice President of the Minority Association of Premedical Students (MAPS), on the NAACP healthcare committee, on the Duke University Student Dining Advisory Committee (DUSDAC), and am a Huang Fellow. Regarding research, I am a part of the Animal Locomotion Lab where I do research concerning gait, ground reaction forces, and hemipelvectomy. In my free time, I love learning about food along with 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!
“Cardea provides a great community of motivated peers who share both similar and different experiences as me, which allows me to gain new perspectives and build strong relationships. The support from this fellowship is unmatched and leaves a positive impact on my Duke experience.”