Arvind Mallikarjunan
Hometown: Durham, North Carolina
Career interests: PM&R, Neurology/Neurosurgery, Chronic Pain,
General interest in advancing the capabilities of remote healthcare through technology.
Hobbies: Music (Saxophone performance and composition), cooking, home-improvement renovations, building various terrariums for my tortoises, and biking.
Undergraduate Education: UNC Chapel Hill, 2019 – B.A. Music | Exercise & Sport Science
Masters Education: North Carolina State University, – M.S. Physiology
Enrichment Experiences
Research Associate at the Laboratory of Biomechanical and Image Guided Surgical Systems, Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Hospital and School of Medicine
2022 June-August –
As part of the Brody Scholar Summer Enrichment Program and the Summer Scholar Research Program, I joined the Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University and relocated to Baltimore, MD for the summer. During my time there, I worked on an optical tracking tool designed for minimally invasive spinal surgery drills. Additionally, I contributed to the development of a 6-axis laser cutter that custom-builds cranial implants for patients who have experienced skull trauma and require reconstruction. Other projects I was involved in included imaging for dental implants, robotic surgical drills, and haptic feedback devices for surgical education.
Research Distinction Track Scholar, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University
2023 – Present
As a Research Distinction Track Scholar, my research focuses on the collection, aggregation, and analysis of large datasets to develop machine learning algorithms that predict patient outcomes. My work also explores the use of mobile health apps, large language models, and biometric data collection tools such as wearables. This research is mainly conducted with ECU Health’s Kidney Transplant Department, Duke University’s Sickle Cell Comprehensive Care Center, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Department of Neurosurgery.
Printing Innovative Resources for Anatomical Teaching and Education (PIRATE3D)
2023 – Present
In our interdisciplinary team, which includes undergraduate STEM majors, engineers, designers, 3D printing specialists, medical students, anatomists, neuroscientists, and physicians, we are working to develop a centralized online repository for 3D-printed models in medical education. Our goal is to reduce costs and barriers to anatomy education. We have already developed models for neuroscience and gynecology and plan to expand into other areas.
Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA)
Founding Member and Vice President. 2022 – 2023
APAMSA is a medical student association dedicated to celebrating, embracing, and supporting medical students who identify as Asian and Pacific Islander. Our group organizes holidays, meetings, and social events to foster a sense of community and provide educational opportunities throughout medical school and the hospital.
Researcher at Duke University, Department of Hematology, Duke Sickle Cell Comprehensive Care Center
In my research position at Duke’s Sickle Cell Comprehensive Care Center, my research surrounds two main areas of focus. First, my team has built and implemented various technologies to improve pain management, prediction, and chronic illness care for people living with sickle cell disease and other chronc illnesses under the direction of Dr. Nirmish Shah. My second area of focus includes the development of a functional assessment under the direction of Dr. Charity Oyedeji, with primary focus on development functional exercises to improve the long-term care and functional maintenance for poeple living with sickle cell disease
Co-Founder of The Knowledge Block
The Knowledge Block is an organization that focuses on bringing school supplies to underserved community schools throughout North Carolina. The Knowledge Block works by directly donating supplies from donors to classrooms and teachers that directly need support to continue their students academic success. Two teachers are chosen per year and drives are held bi-annually. So far, The Knowledge Block has provided over $4,500 worth of school supplies to 4 different teachers in the state of North Carolina. During the COVID-19 pandemic, The Knowledge Block was able to provide 61 computers to students all over North Carolina at reduced or no-cost to them to help in the transition to virtual learning.
Upcoming Plans
As a third-year medical student at Brody, I have had the opportunity to meet many people coming into ECU Health for care. Through these patient interactions, I have encountered many individuals living with chronic pain and have recognized that rural and marginalized populations are disproportionately affected. With limited treatment options available, I have developed a strong interest in using my research to advance our understanding of chronic pain and to work toward improved management and treatment methods. Overall, I am enthusiastic about this year and the opportunities it presents to learn and explore various areas of medicine while developing my skills as a future physician.
The Brody Scholars program has been a highlight of my medical school experience and continues to be a source of motivation and excitement as we move forward. Our 4th-year class has been a major source of information and mentorship as I have moved forward. The two incoming classes of scholars have been filled with like-minded individuals who will not only make an impact during their time as Brody Scholars but also as future physicians. I am excited to call all my fellow scholars colleagues and friends.
Honors & Awards:
1st Place at East Carolina University Research and Creative Achievement Week – Human Health Division – 2023
Awarded first place for podium presentation – Presentation titled “Nanbar Health; Empowering Patients, Supporting Providers, and Discovering Connections to Transform Healthcare”
Invited Speaker and Presenter at HealthSportsTech Philadelphia, PA – 2022
Invited to present at HealthSportsTech – Presentation titled “The Usage of Complex Symptom Networks and mHealth Tools for Mental Health and Pain Management in Sports Medicine.”