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Kai Sun

Associate Professor of Medicine
Medicine, Rheumatology and Immunology
DUMC 2978, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


My clinical interests are in general rheumatology, lupus, and musculoskeletal ultrasound. My research interest is in healthcare disparities and medication adherence in rheumatology.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor of Medicine · 2025 - Present Medicine, Rheumatology and Immunology, Medicine
Associate Professor in Population Health Sciences · 2025 - Present Population Health Sciences, Basic Science Departments

In the News


Published August 12, 2021
Poor Patient-Provider Communication and Low Patient Self-Efficacy Linked to SLE-Related Damage in African American Patients
Published June 17, 2021
5 Lupus Warning Signs You Should Know
Published April 9, 2021
Addressing Barriers to Lupus Medication Uptake in Minority Patients, With Kai Sun, MD

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Recent Publications


Racial differences in medication beliefs and adherence barriers among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Journal Article Lupus · January 2026 IntroductionBlack patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have lower medication adherence than White patients, contributing to worse health outcomes. However, racial differences in reasons for nonadherence and beliefs about medications are not wel ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite

Relationship between hydroxychloroquine blood levels and lupus activity through the lens of the type 1 and type 2 lupus model: a cross-sectional study.

Journal Article Lupus Sci Med · June 30, 2025 INTRODUCTION: In the type 1 and 2 SLE model, inflammation mediates type 1 manifestations, but its role in type 2 manifestations (eg, fatigue, myalgias, mood disturbance, cognitive dysfunction) is less clear. Therapeutic hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) levels redu ... Full text Link to item Cite

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN TRAUMA AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN SLE.

Conference JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY · 2025 Cite
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Recent Grants


Improving patient-provider communication and medication adherence in systemic lupus erythematosus

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2023 - 2028

Validation of a Pediatric DOSE Survey to Assess Medication Adherence

ResearchCollaborator · Awarded by Lupus Foundation of America · 2025 - 2026

Duke CTSA (KL2)

ResearchScholar · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2018 - 2024

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Education, Training & Certifications


Washington University, School of Medicine · 2011 M.D.