Pooja Karukonda, MD

Pooja Karukonda, MD
Resident, Radiation Oncology, Class of 2024

Hometown
Glastonbury, CT

College/University
Johns Hopkins University

Medical School
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

What are the strengths of Duke’s residency program?
I think the main strengths of the program are the faculty and the residents. There is a strong focus on teaching and there is a significant peer-to-peer component to that as well. Faculty ensure that we are not burdened with administrative work. We generally have multiple academic days per week to ensure that we have sufficient time to focus on learning.

What do you love about Durham?
It is so fun and easy to live in Durham! I live in a house 10 minutes from work (with no traffic) in a great neighborhood that is walkable to bars and restaurants. It is a hip, diverse and ever-expanding city with plenty to do to suit any interest. Raleigh and Chapel Hill are nearby, with their own unique cultures. The airport is easily accessible with a good variety of flights. The weather is great year round and outdoor activities are abundant.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Eating, cooking, hiking, dancing, painting and spending time with my family, friends and dog