Kristin (Manteuffel) Jensen, B.A. 2000
Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine – Aurora, CO
2000 Major: History; minor in German
How has being a History graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?
"The critical thinking and historical analytical skills that I gained as a history major shape both my clinical practice as a primary care physician and my academic roles as a health services researcher and medical educator. I use the skills I gained at Duke daily and am so thankful for this education. I will also say that I am a more well-rounded physician than many of my colleagues who majored in the basic sciences and often have more ways to connect with my patients due to my understanding of the historical events and social contexts they lived through."
What advice would you give students in Duke's History programs?
"This is a fantastic program that will give you a strong foundation for life, no matter your ultimate career path. I did not expect to end up in medicine when I chose my history degree, but I would not change that decision for one moment. I am a better person and a better physician for the lessons I've learned in the History program at Duke."
