Ahkiya Allen, DO, grew up in Cumberland, Va., a small rural county. She graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology and Physiology and a minor in critical disability studies, followed by a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Virginia campus. While in medical school, she conducted research on childhood obesity in minority populations and the treatment and prevention of hypertension in African Americans with a plant-focused DASH diet. She is passionate about social determinants of health, lifestyle medicine, serving the underserved, community outreach and patient advocacy. Her personal interests include spending time with friends and family, trying new vegan restaurants, working out, listening to podcasts and audiobooks and playing and watching sports, particularly rooting for the Yankees and Cowboys.