Researcher Spotlight: Arpita Basu

What is your professional background? 
My academic pursuits have been at diverse geographic locations that played a pivotal role in shaping me into the physician I currently am. After completing medical school in India, I moved to the United States and pursued a Master’s in Public Health at the University of Pennsylvania. Subsequently, I completed residency in internal medicine at Steward Carney Hospital in Boston. I worked as a hospitalist for approximately three years before deciding to focus on nephrology as my desired field in medicine. I completed fellowship training in general nephrology at Case Western University, followed by another fellowship in kidney and pancreas transplant at Mayo Clinic, Rochester before joining Emory as faculty in 2018.

In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
I am an assistant professor in the Division of Transplant (Department of Surgery) and Renal Medicine (Department of Medicine). I am fortunate to have several veteran transplant professionals within and outside of Emory assisting me through my career. Drs. Stephen Pastan, Tom Pearson, Chris Larsen and Sudha Tata have consistently provided exemplary mentorship since my career onset at Emory. Additionally, I am fortunate to work with a dynamic group of transplant professionals and general nephrologists who continually help me grow a medical professional and researcher.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
I am currently involved in several diverse research projects in kidney and pancreas transplant. My current research focuses on (1) COVID-19 and its medical as well as financial impact on the transplant population; (2) Improving living donation amongst minority groups; and (3) Improving health care access, adherence and allograft/patient outcomes amongst adolescents and young adults by building an adult transition clinic in collaboration with CHOA. Through my work, I hope to contribute towards improving transplant access as well as improving kidney/pancreas allograft and patient outcomes regardless of patient age, race, or gender.

What do you like most about Emory?
I am greatly appreciative of the opportunities to collaborate and work with a diverse community of professionals at Emory. I consider myself lucky to be part of a division that is supportive of new concepts and innovations while encouraging individual professional growth. 

What is your favorite movie or TV show?
“Top Chef” is the one show I have consistently watched ever since being a resident.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Travelling/exploring new places, trying new restaurants, foods or cuisines, curling up with a book, or just spending quality time with the family.

What is a fun fact about you?
I have trained in Indian classical dance and music for more than a decade. In the last few years, I am finally utilizing those skills, jamming or dancing with others having similar interests while enjoying every minute of it!