Dr. Nrupen Bhavsar is an Associate Professor of Surgery and Biostatistics and Bioinformatics at Duke University, where he leads innovative research at the intersection of epidemiology, informatics, and public health. His work focuses on chronic disease and the social determinants of health (SDOH), using real-world data—such as electronic health records and neighborhood-level indicators—to uncover how structural and environmental factors shape health outcomes. A key contributor to the S.E.E.D. Health Atlas, Dr. Bhavsar helps translate complex data into actionable insights for policymakers and healthcare providers. This platform maps SDOH across North Carolina, enabling targeted interventions in communities facing systemic disadvantage.
His research has revealed how historical policies like redlining continue to influence present-day health disparities, particularly in Durham, NC, where neighborhoods with high eviction rates and low voter participation show elevated rates of chronic diseases. These findings have informed public health strategies and urban planning efforts aimed at promoting health equity. Through NIH-funded projects, Dr. Bhavsar also addresses racial disparities in kidney health and the ethical use of electronic health data, further shaping national health policy.
By combining rigorous data science with a deep commitment to social justice, Dr. Bhavsar is helping to redefine how health systems understand and respond to the root causes of disease. His work not only advances academic knowledge but also helps to reshape how we understand and address health disparities in both local and national contexts.