As a woman of color with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), I have frequently felt fearful of the treatment I acquire in healthcare. I have been disregarded and overlooked with the aid of physicians who do now not take my pain seriously. It is irritating to sense like I am no longer being heard or taken seriously. I have had to advocate for myself and demand the care that I deserve. The concern and frustration that comes with navigating the healthcare system as a female of color with HS is each day reality for me and many others. It is time for healthcare providers to pay attention and prioritize the wishes of all patients, regardless of their race or gender. With this, these experiences have fueled my passion to pursue a profession in medicine and to use my degree in health sciences to uplift my community, specifically those who face relatable challenges. My intention is to emerge as a medical doctor who prioritizes patient-centered care and advocacy for those who are underserved and marginalized. Through my work, I want to convey attention to chronic conditions like HS, which often face stigmatization and neglect inside the medical community. I believe that as a physician, I can make a tremendous effect on the healthcare experiences of people of color. In addition to patient care, I am dedicated to the use of my training to tackle healthcare disparities and advocate for health equity. I plan to work with community organizations and non-profits to grant care to those who may also now not have access to it, particularly those in underserved and marginalized communities. I additionally plan to conduct research and analyze information to better recognize healthcare disparities in my neighborhood and inform policies and interventions aimed at advertising healthcare equity. As a female of color in medicine, I believe that my presence in the area can make a substantial impact on the experiences of patients of color. I will use my voice and role to bring attention to the systemic troubles that contribute to healthcare disparities and work in the direction of solutions that promote health equity for all. By uplifting my community, I hope to encourage the subsequent generation of healthcare specialists from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in medicine. In conclusion, my experiences as a female of color with HS have pushed me to pursue a career in medicine and use my degree in health sciences to uplift my community. By prioritizing patient-centered care and advocacy, addressing healthcare disparities, and bringing awareness to chronic conditions like HS, I hope to make a high-quality impact on the healthcare experiences of people of color. Through my work, I aim to encourage change and promote health equity for all.

Waking up with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) can be a daunting experience. Even before getting out of bed, I feel the painful throbbing of abscesses and lesions that have formed overnight. The discomfort and pain make it hard to get going and start my day. As I go through my morning routine, I'm constantly reminded of my condition. Simple tasks like taking a shower or getting dressed become complicated because of the areas affected by HS. The pain and discomfort make it hard to move around and carry out my daily activities. When I head out for the day, I often feel self-conscious about my appearance. The areas affected by HS are often visible, and I worry about people noticing or commenting on my condition. I try to stay positive, but it's hard when you feel like people are staring at you or judging you. Throughout the day, the pain and discomfort associated with HS make it hard to concentrate and focus on my work. I often have to take breaks to manage my pain, which can be frustrating and can slow down my productivity. The emotional toll of living with HS is significant. It's not just the physical pain and discomfort but also the anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem that come with it. There are days when I feel like giving up, but I remind myself that I am not alone in this battle and that I have a support system that helps me get through the tough times. Despite these challenges, this condition has pushed me to be 100% committed to pursuing my educational and career goals. I am currently studying health sciences, with a focus on chronic illness, as I am passionate about helping individuals who are struggling with chronic medical conditions like HS. My ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of new treatments and therapies that can improve the lives of people with HS and other chronic illnesses. However, the financial burden of pursuing higher education can be significant, particularly when one is also dealing with the expenses associated with managing a chronic medical condition. This is where the scholarship would make a tremendous difference for me. With the support of this scholarship, I would be able to continue my studies in medicine without the added stress of financial insecurity. Moreover, the scholarship would allow me to continue my research in medicine, particularly in the area of HS. HS is a condition that is not well understood, and there is a great need for more research to be done to develop effective treatments and therapies. In conclusion, living with HS has certainly presented its challenges, but it has also given me a unique perspective and a deep sense of empathy for individuals who are struggling with chronic medical conditions. With the support of this scholarship, I would be able to pursue my educational and career goals without the added burden of financial insecurity, and I would be able to continue my research in medicine with the goal of making a difference in the lives of people with HS and other chronic skin conditions.