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Dr. John Purakal
2025 Staff Recipient
An Emergency Department physician, Dr. John Purakal embodies a profound commitment that extends far beyond the immediate demands of his medical practice. He sees his patients not just as individuals with health challenges but as whole people whose lives reflect a complex web of roles, relationships, and circumstances. This deep understanding has fueled his unwavering dedication to identifying and addressing the often-overlooked social needs that significantly impact health and well-being.
Dr. Purakal was instrumental in the development and direction of Help Desk, a program where Duke undergraduates volunteer at the Lincoln Community Health Center, connecting underserved patients with vital social resources. He championed the same model at Duke Hospital, collaborating with administrators and staff to develop an innovative system known as ParallelED. Student volunteers proactively screen patients in the ER waiting area for social needs so they can be connected to resources like food assistance, medication programs, or internet access. The impact has been significant, with hundreds of patients already receiving crucial support. He envisions a future where this screening is universal and integrated into patient records, allowing us to better understand the long-term impact of addressing social needs on health outcomes and to advocate for increased community resources.
Beyond his direct service to patients, Dr. Purakal invests deeply in the growth and development of Duke students. He serves as a dedicated mentor to the ParallelED volunteers, fostering a sense of purpose and ensuring they understand the real-world impact of their contributions. He generously shares his expertise and passion for addressing health disparities, serving as a panelist for medical school initiatives and inspiring future physicians to incorporate this crucial lens into their own practices. Students speak of his profound influence, noting how his guidance has shaped their commitment to public health and instilled in them a desire to be truly helpful to others. Through the Raising Our Community’s Knowledge (ROCK) project, Dr. Purakal guides student efforts to bring social needs screening directly to the Durham community, and they speak of his focus on service, the importance of listening to the community, and the need for deep compassion for patients as individuals. The nominations also detail instances of his invaluable personal support to students, demonstrating a generosity of spirit that extends far beyond the academic realm.
We also recognize his impactful mentorship of undergraduate students like the leader of The Backpack Project in Durham. Dr. Purakal has been a guiding force in establishing a sustainable framework for this organization, helping them to better serve individuals experiencing homelessness. He has provided invaluable guidance on everything from logistical planning to connecting them with vital community resources.
In his quiet yet powerful way, Dr. John Purakal exemplifies the very essence of the Sullivan Award. His unwavering commitment to serving others, his innovative spirit in addressing unmet needs, and his profound dedication to mentoring the next generation of compassionate leaders make him truly deserving of this honor.