Anika Lucas, MD, MTS

Anika Lucas is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Nephrology at Duke University School of Medicine, where she is a physician-scientist focused on investigating the psychosocial and biological factors that contribute to the development and progression of kidney disease. Dr. Lucas completed her undergraduate studies at Wellesley College and earned a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School before receiving her medical degree from the Lewis Kataz School of Medicine at Temple University. She completed her residency in internal medicine at the University of Connecticut and went onto complete fellowships in nephrology and clinical research at Duke University.

As a nephrology fellow, Dr. Lucas was awarded the American Kidney Fund's Clinical Scientist in Nephrology Award to evaluate the relationship between second-trimester kidney function and adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with lupus. In 2021, she received Duke University's Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, which recognizes outstanding commitment to service. She also was honored with the Duke Department of Medicine chair's Research Award for her work on cumulative life stress and cardiometabolic health.

As a physician-scientist, Dr. Lucas investigates the psychosocial and genetic factors that contribute to the incidence and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) across the lifecourse. Applying a biopsychosocial framework to both her research and clinical care, her overarching aim is to reduce CKD incidence and progression and to improve quality of life for patients living with kidney disease. In addition to leading observational studies, she serves as an investigator on clinical trials at Duke University and the Durham VA examining apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) mediated kidney disease and diabetic kidney disease.