Third Year Fellows
Loryn Wilson Dass, MD
I grew up in the suburbs of Dallas and earned my medical degree at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso. I then completed pediatrics residency at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. I first became interested in pediatric nephrology in medical school when learning about chronic kidney disease in children and issues of health equity on the Texas-Mexico border. I am excited to pursue this specialty because it includes the full spectrum - from outpatient continuity to inpatient critical care - and am especially excited to train at Duke where the faculty seemed particularly enthusiastic and supportive. In my free time, I enjoy all outdoor activities (running, hiking, camping), home improvement projects with my fiancé, and trying new recipes.
Second Year Fellow
Anna Williams, MD
I grew up in Seneca, a small town just outside of Clemson in upstate South Carolina. After having completed all of my formal education in South Carolina—I received my B.S. from Clemson University and my M.D. from the Medical University of South Carolina—I moved to Durham and have spent the past five years here at Duke for my pediatrics residency, research year, and chief residency. I am quite excited to continue my fellowship in the Division of Pediatric Nephrology as I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the faculty and fellows in both a clinical and research capacity during my time here. These relationships and the wealth of opportunities afforded by being a part of this prestigious institution are why I chose to remain at Duke for fellowship. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy making gourmet ice-cream—banana white chocolate is a personal favorite—and attending as many Clemson football games as my busy schedule allows!
First Year Fellow
Jennifer Drucker Varner, MD
I was born and raised in Durham, NC as a true blue Duke fan. My winding path to medicine has taken me up and down the east coast, earning my B.A. in Music at Tufts University, teaching and studying Early Childhood Education in Atlanta, and achieving my M.S. in Medical Sciences from Boston University. I returned home to North Carolina to earn my medical degree at Duke University and completed my residency in general pediatrics at the University of North Carolina. I became interested in nephrology in graduate school because of the direct application of science and physiology to improve patients’ health and wellbeing. The research and clinical mentorship I received in medical school from the Duke team further developed my interests, and I am now thrilled to be back at Duke for my fellowship in pediatric nephrology. In my free time, I enjoy playing piano, crafting, and watching Duke basketball. You can also find me exploring the Triangle’s museums, restaurants, and hiking trails with my husband Luke, our daughter Lily, and our dog Hannah-Banana.