James Giarraputo has been interested in neurology since adolescence. He first became fascinated with the body's most important organ after reading a book on the subject in junior high, and after shadowing a pediatric neurologist in high school he knew he was hooked. Now as a third-year medical student, he's helping conduct research in multiple sclerosis (MS) in the lab of Simon Gregory, PhD, and considering a future in either MS or neuro-oncology after residency. In this week's Spotlight interview, Giarraputo talks to us about his research in MS, his hopes for finding answers to unsolved neurological mysteries, and baking sourdough and croissants (and enjoying disc golf) when he's not at Duke.
What are your current responsibilities as a 3rd year medical student? What does a typical day look like for you?
I am finishing up my second year of research in the lab of Dr. Simon Gregory. There are two main projects I was working on in that time, one of which is completely finished, and the other I am tying up loose ends on now. I am also continuing to work with a variety of neurologists in clinic once or twice a week, which keeps my foot in the clinical door. I am very much looking forward to starting my MS4 year and my neurology sub-internship in just a few weeks!
How and when did you first get interested in neurology? What aspects of the field are most interesting or appealing to you?
In junior high school, I got my hands on a copy of the book Welcome to Your Brain by Sandra Aamodt and Sam Wang -- I could not put it down! Then in high school, I got into a conversation with a local neurologist who specialized in pediatric MS and asked if I could shadow her for a few days. After that, I was basically hooked on the idea of following in her footsteps and becoming a neurologist! During my clinical year of medical school, I promised myself I would follow everyone’s advice and try to consider all fields, but I kept coming back to neurology. I think neurology appeals to me most because you are dealing with the body system that is arguably the most uniquely human. I love how much mystery there still is in the field, combined with how quickly it is changing with new treatments and diagnostic abilities. I want to be a part of the movement to continue to improve the lives of patients affected by these disorders and help to unlock the secrets of the brain!
You’re a co-author of a forthcoming paper examining a potential biomarker for multiple sclerosis. What were the main hypothesis and findings of the study? How will they help us better understand, identify or treat MS?
A big area of research right now is serum biomarkers in multiple sclerosis. Some major candidates are neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Many studies are coming out about these proteins, but very few of them focus on the primary progressive subtype of MS (PPMS). For our study, we examined a cohort of 25 PPMS patients and their serum biomarker levels over a five-year period. We found out that there is essentially no relationship between these biomarkers and the patients’ clinical severity, progression, or treatment status. While this was a “negative study,” I think it is still an important finding because it is crucial that we learn when these new biomarkers can and cannot be appropriately used.
What plans do you have for after you complete your medical degree and residency? If you could have any job in the world what would it be?
I will begin applying for a neurology residency later this year! I am interested in the possibility of fellowship in neuroimmunology or neuro-oncology, but I will try to keep an open mind during residency! I think I would enjoy a career that has a blend of seeing patients and continuing research to help answer more unsolved questions in neurology.
What are you most looking forward to once the COVID-19 pandemic is over?
100% seeing my family! I’m sure many people can relate to that- I haven’t been able to see my parents or brother in about a year, so once everyone is vaccinated, I know we will have a wonderful reunion. I also really miss hosting dinner parties- I love to cook for friends, so it will be nice to host people without worrying about who is in whose “bubble” and any potential exposures.
What other passions or hobbies do you have outside of Duke?
Outside of medicine and research, I am heavily involved in Duke Med Pride, the medical school’s LGBTQIA+ affinity group. We host events that facilitate education around health issues relevant to sexual and gender minority patients, as well as a chance for community building among students. Outside of Duke entirely, I have become obsessed with pastry-making! This began before the pandemic, but the Age of Sourdough that started last Spring definitely helped. My favorite things to make are croissants! I have also been playing a lot of disc golf- it’s a very accessible and free activity, and a great way to be outside and stay active during the pandemic! I highly recommend UNC’s public course for anyone looking to give it a try!
Giarraputo shares two of his baking efforts in the photo below.
