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Encounters Shaping Her Dream

Goh Foundation Scholar Luo Xiao Ran shares her journey from general science, to kidney health, and finally, studying medicine at Duke-NUS.



Xiao Ran graduated from the University of California, Berkeley earlier this year. She is now a first-year student in the MD Class of 2026 at Duke-NUS Medical School.

If not for the people she has met in the past four years, Luo Xiao Ran would not be as confident today about her aspiration to be a clinician and scientist. 

While seeking out a close-knit community during her undergraduate studies in California, she came across the Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program (KDSAP). KDSAP, a group of students committed to improving kidney health for the public, ended up becoming a second home that helped her understand her true passions.

“When I joined KDSAP, I really liked how they gave lessons on the anatomy of the kidney. Kidney studies have a lot of molecular biology roots, a topic I really appreciate.” Joking that she’s taken quite a “nerdy route” in life, Xiao Ran laughs as she shares.

“They did a lot of community events as well. I really enjoyed having conversations with the participants. I got to talk with them about nutrition, exercise, lifestyle habits… What they are currently doing and want to improve on. It was very fun and kept me going for four years.”



Xiao Ran (grey sweater, foreground) helping a participant through the health screening process at the Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program (KDSAP).

Volunteering at KDSAP reinforced Xiao Ran’s interest in both science and public health, building on her experiences during class time where she was studying molecular cell biology. 

“My undergraduate studies gave me a stronger background in basic science and the research process. I want to stick with that though I’m not quite sure exactly what type of research I want to do. I want to explore translational research, though I only have basic research experience so far.” Some of the topics she has worked on include clamp loader proteins (which help in DNA replication), and a study on the possible link between renal artery abnormalities and renin-dependent hypertension.

Xiao Ran cherishes the experiences that have led her to her first-year of MD studies at Duke-NUS Medical School. “I’ve always thought of studying medicine, though for a while I did think of doing pure research. But at the end of the day, I realized that I want my research to connect to human diseases, and I also want some human connection in my work. The Duke-NUS ‘Clinicians First, Clinicians Plus’ approach appealed to my desire to do both research and work in community.”

She also treasures the support she has received through the Goh Foundation Scholarship. “I am truly grateful to the people at the Goh Foundation, who are enabling me to pursue my studies at Duke-NUS with less financial worries and stress. The scholarship is helping me to focus on being the best doctor I can be, and achieve my dream to one day do my part in helping to improve human health and equity. I’ll work hard to make the best of this opportunity that has been given to me.”



Xiao Ran together with her KDSAP club members.

When asked about what advice she can share regarding kidney disease, the focus of her labours these past four years, Xiao Ran says: “Some people call chronic kidney disease a silent killer, because the symptoms don’t show up until it is too late. The symptoms are very generic, such as nausea, fatigue, and maybe some swelling. That’s why early detection through annual check-ups and urine tests is very important.

“It is quite common in the US, especially in places where access to healthcare and annual healthcare screenings for some people is not great. When a person finally finds out, they may have to get dialysis immediately and it’s a very major disruption to their life. So I would say always keep in mind your nutrition and general health, which are very important for keeping kidneys healthy.”