Downing Lu

I find joy in growing and nurturing community wherever I am — and I am excited to join the Kirkland community! I grew up in the suburbs of Washington, DC and am the daughter of immigrants who instilled in me the values of education and public service. 

Following high school, I joined the Army and attended the US Military Academy at West Point, where I met Peter. I earned my MD at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA, trained in general pediatrics and pediatric critical care medicine in Boston, and earned an MPH (population and international health) at Harvard School of Public Health. 

My Army career took me to many places including Afghanistan, Texas, Hawaii, Upstate New York and Washington, D.C. I got to practice medicine and lead health systems big and small from large regional systems to the backs of helicopters, military vehicles, and tiny tents. These experiences reinforced in me the values of servant-leadership, teamwork, and kindness in community.  

I’m a mom to our two active boys, Pax and Kai. You’ll find us playing outside in all sorts of weather, especially the snow where I love to coach cross country skiing. We are all looking forward to making Kirkland House a home for every member of our community!