Lyle Burdine, B.A. 1999

1999 Major: Philosophy and Chemistry

How has being a Philosophy graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?

"I am a transplant surgeon and surgical scientist. Learning how to learn and think critically were skills developed in philosophy courses at Duke. I really enjoyed listening and capturing how other students and faculty create arguments for positions and approach discordant conclusions. I am on the ethics committee at the hospital and work in an ethically contentious branch of medical care ."

What advice would you give students in Duke's Philosophy programs? 

"I ended up taking philosophy classes to hang out with one of my friends. The experience, albeit unintentional was invaluable for my future endeavors."