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Nrupen Bhavsar

Associate Professor in Surgery
Surgery, Surgical Sciences
710 W. Main St, Durham, NC 27701
710 W. Main St, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


I am a quantitative epidemiologist with methodological expertise in the design and analysis of observational studies that leverage data from cohort studies, registries, and the electronic health record (EHR). My background, training, and research is in the measurement and characterization of biomarkers, risk factors and treatment outcomes for chronic disease using real-world datasets. My primary research interests are in the use of novel sources of data, including the EHR, to conduct chronic disease research at the intersection of informatics, biostatistics, and epidemiology. My ongoing work aims to integrate informatics, epidemiology, and biostatistics to reduce the burden of chronic disease. I have topical expertise in multiple chronic diseases, including oncology, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. In parallel, I have a portfolio of research that aims to understand the impact of social determinants of health, including dynamic neighborhood changes, such as gentrification, on the health of adults and children. 

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor in Surgery · 2023 - Present Surgery, Surgical Sciences, Surgery
Associate Professor in Biostatistics and Bioinformatics · 2023 - Present Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Division of Translational Biomedical, Biostatistics & Bioinformatics
Associate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society · 2017 - Present Duke Science & Society, University Initiatives & Academic Support Units

In the News


Published September 16, 2024
Data Links Structural Racism & Health. Researchers Are Seeking Intervention.
Published December 23, 2015
Commentary: Evaluating a new era in Medicare hospice and end-of-life policy

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Recent Publications


The association between long-term PM2.5 exposure and risk for pancreatic cancer: an application of social informatics.

Journal Article Am J Epidemiol · March 4, 2025 There is a profound need to identify modifiable risk factors to screen and prevent pancreatic cancer. Air pollution, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for cancer. We conducted a case-control study using ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Surgical Critical Care Initiative (SC2i): Civilian application of military decision support tools for critically injured patients

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Henry M. Jackson Foundation · 2023 - 2026

Living donor liver transplant in minority populations

ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by Vanderbilt University Medical Center · 2023 - 2025

Interventions that Address Structural Racism to Reduce Kidney Health Disparities Research Coordinating Center

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2023 - 2025

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Education, Training & Certifications


Johns Hopkins University · 2010 Ph.D.