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Heather Elizabeth Whitson

Duke School of Medicine Distinguished Professor in Neuroscience
Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care
Duke Box 3003, Durham, NC 27710
Dept of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


Dr. Whitson's research is focused on improving care options and resilience for people with multiple chronic conditions.  In particular, she has interest and expertise related to the link between age-related changes in the eye and brain (e.g., How does late-life vision loss impact the aging brain or cognitive outcomes?  Is Alzheimer's disease associated with distinctive changes in the retina, and could such changes help diagnose Alzheimer's disease early in its course?).  Dr. Whitson leads a …

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Duke School of Medicine Distinguished Professor in Neuroscience · 2024 - Present Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Medicine
Professor of Medicine · 2020 - Present Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Medicine
Professor in Ophthalmology · 2020 - Present Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Diseases & Surgery, Ophthalmology
Professor in Head & Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences · 2021 - Present Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Clinical Science Departments
Professor in Neurology · 2022 - Present Neurology, Clinical Science Departments
Director of the Duke Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development · 2008 - Present Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Institutes and Centers

Education, Training & Certifications


Duke University · 2009 M.H.S.
Cornell University · 2000 M.D.