Dr. Mullikin began her journey toward becoming a physician at the University of California, Davis, earning a BS in cellular and molecular biology. Following graduation, she spent three years as a research coordinator at a community hospital, gaining hands-on experience in the healthcare field and solidifying her decision to pursue medicine.
During her time at Duke, Dr. Mullikin developed a strong interest in plastic surgery and actively engaged in various leadership positions and research projects across multiple specialties. Besides serving on the Duke School of Medicine admissions committee, Dr Mullikin served as the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Student Body Council, reflecting her commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive academic environments.
Recognizing the evolving responsibilities of physicians in today's healthcare landscape, Dr. Mullikin decided to simultaneously pursue an MBA at Duke's Fuqua School of Business, further improving her ability to navigate the complex intersection of medicine and business. She was the recipient of multiple scholarships during her educational journey, including the Bovender Family/HCA Minority Scholarship at Duke's Fuqua School of Business and both the Dean's Merit Scholarship and the Franklin and Louise Brown Medical Scholarship at Duke University School of Medicine.
Dr. Mullikin has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and innovation in healthcare. Her research contributions have been recognized with awards, including the Best of 2023 Winter Meeting Oral Podium Presentation from the American College of Academic Plastic Surgeons. Her diverse experiences, from research coordination to her involvement in various medical specialties, have given her a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system and its challenges.
As the daughter of immigrants and the first person in her family to attend college, Dr. Mullikin personally experienced the challenges of navigating the medical school application process. This experience fueled her passion for making the process more accessible to students, a goal she actively pursued through her role on the admissions committee at her medical school. . Her combination of medical expertise, business acumen, and personal experiences position her as a great mentor to aspiring medical professionals.