Ali Duffens, MD, MPH

Kaiser San Francisco and UCSF

Internal Medicine/Preventive Medicine combined residency program

During my rotation at AHRQ, I contributed to projects that support the work of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. I helped develop educational material on taskforce recommendations, contributed to fact-checking evidence reviews, and led a journal club discussion about new research informing future recommendations. I also attended the annual USPSTF meeting, where I observed the evidence review and grading of task force recommendations.

Through these experiences, I gained a deeper understanding of how rigorous evidence reviews, public input, and expert consensus come together to shape national recommendations. I also learned how research gaps are identified to improve preventive care moving forward.

I pursued Preventive Medicine because I am passionate about improving health outcomes at both the clinical and population levels. I chose AHRQ for my residency rotation to learn firsthand how evidence informs national health policy and to contribute to work that advances preventive care across the United States.

Note from APTR:

Regrettably all residency rotations were paused by the current administration in mid-March. The APTR contract that supports the program was officially terminated "at the convenience of the government" on April 14, 2025.