Dennis Kan always planned to be a computer scientist, but he realized that he didn’t want to stare at a computer screen all day. He needed to figure out a career path that included some kind of human interaction. His lightbulb moment came in high school when his career counselor asked him an insightful question: “What is one thing you don't think you could do, but are fascinated about?” Kan knew the answer: nursing. 

 “I decided to volunteer at a local hospital and fell in love,” Kan said. “Twenty years later, I am now a nurse practitioner.”

Kan, who lives in Portland, OR, is currently a student at Duke University’s School of Nursing. He enrolled in 2021 and earned his Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate and Specialty Certificate in HIV Medicine in 2023. He is currently working to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and Specialty Certificate in Nursing Education. 

“I am very fortunate to have received my education at the Duke School of Nursing. I have professors at the School who are truly experts in their field,” he said. “I have never felt like I was a burden when reaching out to professors. They have always been supportive.”

When he was applying for nurse practitioner school, Kan interacted with admissions’ offices at many different colleges. Some were slow to respond to him or did not reply at all. Duke was the exception. 

“Duke School of Nursing admissions was helpful and prompt,” he said. “This really impressed me and showcased how the School of Nursing invests in its students.”

“Aside from my initial interaction with the School of Nursing admissions, I wanted to focus my career in HIV,” he continued. “With the HIV certification at Duke I have met many people many leaders in the field of HIV and has opened may opportunities to follow both my dream and passion.”

Kan plans to graduate in 2026 and, as he mentioned, hopes to focus his career on elevating care for people living with HIV and the LGBT+ community. He plans to continue practicing as a Family and HIV Medicine Nurse Practitioner and teach the next generation of students. 

“Hopefully I get to give back and educate future health care professionals,” he said.