Integrating Psychology into Patient Care: Insights from Research and Practice at the Duke Pain Prevention & Management Lab - with Jolie Choi

Growing up in Hong Kong, my emotional struggles were often overlooked by my family and community—dismissed in light of the hardships faced by previous generations. In a culture where expressing feelings was discouraged and emotional resilience equated to emotional suppression, I learned to “be tough” and to “not let emotions bring you down.” But everything changed when I witnessed a beloved family member struggle with mental health. Beneath their confident and resilient exterior, I saw vulnerability and pain. That experience opened my eyes to the invisible weight many carry and sparked my interest in studying Psychology.

Hello! My name is Jolie Choi, and I’m a senior double majoring in Biology and Psychology. After taking AP Psychology in high school, I knew I wanted to explore the field further in college. That passion deepened when I discovered PSYC 504 – Health Psychology, a course that showed me how biological, psychological, and social factors interact to shape overall well-being.

As a nursing care assistant at Duke University Hospital, I’ve witnessed firsthand the importance of addressing not only patients’ physical needs, but also their emotional and social well-being. Interactions with patients, combined with what I’ve learned in class, often left me asking: What else can I do to help with their recovery? Are there psychological or behavioral interventions that could ease their pain? These questions motivate me to continue expanding my knowledge and experience in the field of integrated care and draw me to clinical psychology for its holistic approach to understanding and supporting patients beyond just the physical symptoms.

That’s why I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the Duke Pain Prevention & Management Lab, under the mentorship of Dr. Laura Porter. Our lab focuses on psychosocial interventions for patients with medical conditions such as cancer and dementia. We are currently working on communication skill training for couples facing advanced cancer, as well as pain coping interventions for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. One of my favorite parts of the internship is attending our bi-weekly meetings with other undergraduate research assistants, led by Dr. Porter and Dr. Karena Leo. We review project updates, engage with current research, read and discuss relevant literature, learn about poster presentations at conferences, and more—every meeting leaves me inspired and eager for the next.

Recently, I conducted a literature review on the completion of advance directives in patients with advanced cancer and the psychological factors that may influence their decisions. I was surprised by how many patients lack any form of advance care planning and end up undergoing aggressive medical interventions that may go against their wishes. It reminded me of similar situations I’d seen at the hospital—cases that reinforced how crucial it is to explore psychological and behavioral factors in medical decision-making, and how these insights can help tailor interventions that truly serve the patient’s needs and values.

Through this experience, I’ve become even more committed to pursuing a career in medicine. For me, holistic care means merging clinical research with compassionate, patient-centered practice. Whether it’s developing interventions through research or delivering them at a patient’s bedside, I believe this is how we can make a meaningful impact on health outcomes. This journey has deepened my interest in both Psychology and Psychiatry, and I’m excited to continue working toward a future where I can help improve lives on both physical and psychological levels.

I’m especially thankful to Dr. Laura Porter for her unwavering support and for offering so many opportunities to grow, and to Dr. Karena Leo for her guidance throughout my project. I also want to thank Dr. Steven Buzinski and Emily Dolegowski for making this incredible experience possible.