Lea

Silvert

Undergraduate School: University of Toronto 

Graduate School: Columbia University

Doctoral Program: Clark University

Interests & Career Goals: I am drawn to helping individuals navigate the intersection of physical and mental health, particularly during periods of significant medical or life change. My clinical interests include behavioral medicine, women's health, reproductive and perinatal mental health, and LGBTQ+ health. I enjoy collaborating with interdisciplinary medical teams to provide compassionate, evidence-based care and support patients through the psychological aspects of illness, treatment, and major life transitions. In the future, I hope to build a career in an academic medical center that integrates clinical care, research, and teaching while advancing equitable care for diverse patient populations.

Favorite Pastimes: Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, whether that means going for a walk, hiking a new trail, swimming, gardening, or simply soaking up a sunny day. I love traveling and exploring new places, visiting museums and galleries, trying new restaurants, cooking, and learning from the people and communities I encounter along the way. I especially value spending time with family and friends and finding opportunities to connect with others—whether that is through a shared meal, a conversation with someone new, or finding small ways to create a sense of home and connection wherever I go. I am always excited for the next adventure (and will happily accept recommendations for the best restaurants and coffee shops!).

Why Duke? I chose Duke because I wanted to train in an environment where psychology is integrated into the broader healthcare system and where collaboration across disciplines is central to patient care. The Behavioral Medicine track aligns closely with my interests in clinical and health psychology, particularly in understanding the connection between physical and mental health and supporting patients as they navigate complex medical conditions, treatments, and life transitions. I was drawn to the opportunity to deepen my skills in evidence-based, patient-centered care while working alongside physicians, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals with diverse patient populations. This training experience reflects my goal of becoming a clinical psychologist who bridges clinical care, research, and collaboration across healthcare settings. Duke’s commitment to compassionate care, clinical excellence, and innovation embodies the type of environment in which I hope to continue growing throughout my career.

Research Interests: My research focuses on the intersection of behavioral medicine, health, identity, and social contexts, with an emphasis on understanding how healthcare systems, social policies, and cultural environments shape psychological well-being and lived experiences. Guided by feminist psychological approaches, I use qualitative and mixed-methods research to examine complex health experiences and better understand how individuals make meaning of their lived experiences. My dissertation examines the experiences of reproductive loss and grief among women and gender-diverse individuals in the post-Dobbs decision United States. More broadly, I am interested in reproductive and perinatal mental health, LGBTQ+ health, family building experiences, gender and sexuality, and health equity. I hope my research informs more inclusive, compassionate, and patient-centered clinical care and healthcare practices.