Real People. Inspiring Stories.

Meet Melissa, a mom of five, who spent months fighting extreme fatigue, nightly fevers, rashes, and migraines before being hospitalized during the early days of the pandemic.

When she met Mala S. Kaul, MD, MHS, she finally had a physician who listened, partnered with her, and guided her through a plan that combined medical treatment with thoughtful lifestyle support. It took time—and trying multiple medications—but the compassion, availability, and humility Melissa experienced made all the difference. Today she’s running, lifting weights, and says she has her life back.

Meet Jordan. At 18, Jordan was a healthy college freshman when sudden eye pain and ear inflammation led to a shocking diagnosis: a rare autoimmune disorder called relapsing polychondritis. Referred to Mala S. Kaul, MD, MHS at Duke, he learned that the medication he needed could leave him unable to have children.

Dr. Kaul guided him through the decision to preserve his fertility — advice that proved life-changing. Years later, when Jordan discovered he was in fact sterile, the foresight and care Dr. Kaul provided gave him and his wife the chance to build the family they had always dreamed of. Today, they have two beautiful children.