Rui Qu, MS in Population Health Sciences
Hometown, State
Luohe, Henan, China
What inspired you to pursue this degree?
I studied statistics as an undergraduate, so I was always interested in using data to understand real-world problems. But my interest in healthcare became much more personal when a family member was hospitalized. For the first time, I saw the healthcare system from the patient and family side. During COVID, I also realized that even hospitals in well-resourced areas could be under enormous pressure. What stayed with me was not only the limited resources, but also how difficult it can be for different parts of care to connect smoothly, such as surgery and post- operative recovery. That experience made me think more about healthcare as a system. I wanted to understand how we can improve coordination, access, and the overall experience of care, which eventually led me to Population Health Sciences.
Why did you choose Duke?
I chose Duke because of both the university and the program. Population Health Sciences is highly interdisciplinary, which was exactly what I was looking for. It brings together data, healthcare systems, policy, and real-world questions about how care is delivered. Coming from a statistics background, I wanted to use data not just to analyze problems, but to understand and improve systems, and this program felt like the right place to do that. I was also drawn to the caring environment at Duke. The faculty and students are intellectually inspiring, but also genuinely supportive and kind. That has made a big difference in my experience here. I also really enjoy Durham as a slower-paced academic town. It feels warm, calm, and full of space to grow.
Do you have a favorite memory from your program?
One of my favorite memories from the program is the many small social gatherings hosted by the department. I really enjoyed those moments because they gave us a chance to spend time with classmates, faculty, and staff outside of the classroom. We could share food, talk casually, and simply be together without thinking too much about coursework or deadlines. Those gatherings felt very peaceful and warm to me, and they reminded me that a program is not only about academic training, but also about the people and the community around you.
How do you hope to make an impact with your career?
I hope to continue using data to study real-world healthcare problems, especially questions related to access and care delivery. I’m particularly interested in underserved populations, such as patients in rural areas or people managing chronic conditions, because they often face barriers that are not only medical, but also related to the healthcare system itself. In the future, I hope to work in an academic research setting where I can use data to identify those barriers and contribute evidence that helps make care more accessible and coordinated.
What was the most important thing you learned at Duke?
The most important thing I learned at Duke is balance. Graduate school can be intense, but my time here taught me that life is not only about work or achievements. It is also about learning how to slow down, take care of yourself, and make space for the people and experiences that matter to you. I also learned that life is full of opportunities, and there is not always one single “correct” path. As long as you have a sense of direction and keep moving forward, different experiences can all become meaningful parts of your journey.