Kansas City University Class of 2025 (4th Year)

FL interest: Born and raised in Davie, Florida. Attended undergrad at UCF.

Derm interest: Currently in application cycle for residency. Shadowed a dermatologist who specializes in wound healing in my first year of college and have been in love with dermatology ever since!

Advocacy interest (Optional): During my third year of medical school, I worked in a community hospital with no dermatology care and cared for multiple patients with STIs who were not diagnosed until cutaneous manifestations appeared. This began my interested in how dermatology can better care for these populations and play a role in the STI epidemic. From there, I became involved in research analyzing current dermatology legislature and was able to present it at the American Public Health Association Conference last fall. I also got to join dermatologists on capitol hill at AAD legislative conference which has set the framework for our FLDTAD 2025!

Co-Chair

Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, M3

Born and raised in Miami, FL. FSU for undergrad. University of Miami Miller SOM for grad school

Derm interest: Prior peds and adult dermatology MA. Master's Degree in Skin Biology and Dermatological Sciences from the University of Miami Miller SOM. Applying derm.

Advocacy interest: Advocacy is about bridging the gap between those affected by a cause and its root source, while also connecting them with the right people and resources to drive meaningful change. It empowers individuals, amplifies unheard voices, and addresses disparities at their core, ultimately creating a more equitable and supportive society. My advocacy experience began as a Spanish interpreter for health clinics, where I witnessed firsthand the barriers Hispanic patients faced in accessing care. Later on, I founded the Latino Wellness Clinic which improved healthcare accessibility and ensured culturally competent care for Hispanic patients.

2nd year working with DTAD. Social Media and Website during the first year.

Resident Mentor

Orange Park Hospital, PGY-3

FL interest: Currently living in Jacksonville Beach, FL

Derm interest: Mohs micrographic surgery; complex medical dermatology; teaching; healthcare policy advocacy

Advocacy interest: I only recently became involved in advocacy after a discussion with one of my attendings regarding the future status of medicine. As a dermatology resident who’s put countless hours into preparing for my career as an attending, I worry that for reasons out of my control, I won’t be able to provide care to the people in my community. Furthermore, I believe dermatologists, and physicians for that matter, need to make their voices heard in politics since we know what our patients need most.

Digital Advocacy Chair

Kansas City University Class of 2025 (4th year)

FL Interest: Hometown of Jacksonville, FL; currently living in West Palm Beach, FL

Derm Interest: Applied dermatology this cycle, previous derm MA

Advocacy Interest: MPH with concentration in Health Equity, Law, Policy prior to med school, during masters worked in Health, Equality, Law, & Policy Research Lab, worked as pubic health consultant for CDC and HHS in Washington DC prior to med school, founding member of the KCU Public Health club

Social Media Chair

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

FL interest: Born and raised in Miami, FL. Attended Florida International University for undergrad.

Derm interest: Worked as a Dermatology Medical Assistant prior to medical school.

Advocacy interest: Advocacy in healthcare goes beyond improving health policies to enhance patient treatments—it also involves empowering individuals to advocate for their own well-being. It’s about seeing a problem that needs fixing, shedding light on it, and trying to fix it. My goal is to empower patients and gear them with the tools necessary to advocate for their own high quality care when I am not present, but also to contribute to medical breakthroughs that make effective treatments accessible to everyone, particularly those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged and face barriers to care.

My advocacy experience began with volunteering in a Diabetes Education Program where we welcomed a group of participants weekly to learn about the condition, how to manage it, and how to take back control of their disease. We improved health literacy and empowered them to continue asking questions, learn more, and continue efforts to advocate for themselves and their health.

Legislative Lead

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, OMS-2

FL interest: Grew up in South Florida and attended college at FIU. As a local, I love the state’s cultural diversity, multitude of skin colors, and endless sunshine!

Derm interest: As the primary caretaker of an elderly person, I started out having to learn about diabetic foot ulcers and geriatric skin maintenance on my own in order to learn how to take care of my grandmother.

Advocacy interest: I began volunteering as a grassroots lobbyist for UNICEF-USA 6 years ago, supporting legislation that prioritized children in funding on policy decisions. Now, I’m determined to teach my peers everything I’ve learned so they can become effective advocates on behalf of their patients one day. Advocacy in dermatology is so important because it is still a field wrought with many obstacles to accessing care. I believe it’s up to us to ensure we address those challenges by being vocal about what it takes to provide equitable healthcare to all, not just the ones that can afford it.

Legislative Lead

Florida State University College of Medicine, M3

My hometown is Tallahassee, FL. I attended Wake Forest University where I received my bachelors degree in Biology. I then went to the University of Kentucky to receive my masters degree in Forensic Toxicology and Analytical Genetics with a concentration in Forensic Toxicology/Chemistry.

I previously served as the secretary for the Florida State University College of Medicine Dermatology Interest Group. My interests are skin of color, hair disorders, rheumatology-dermatology.

Advocacy in dermatology is important because it addresses disparities in the treatment and outcomes of marginalized populations which ultimately leads to better quality of health for patients. As future healthcare providers, we are in a great position to gain awareness about healthcare issues so that we can be knowledgeable and advocate for our future patients and help bridge the gaps within the healthcare systems to ensure that individuals have access to affordable, effective, and high-quality care.

Advocacy Co-Chair for 2024

Communications Lead

Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Attends Florida Based Medical School

Derm interest: Applying to dermatology residency next cycle; Former President of DIG chapter at NSU-KPCOM, and current board member of the VisualDx Student Advisory board

Past experience with FTDAD: Second Year Working with the FTDAD.

Communications Lead

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, MS3

Born and raised in Miami, FL

Pursuing a career in dermatology

Advocacy drives systemic changes in healthcare accessibility and equity.

This is my second year working with FTDAD

Fundraising Lead

Nova Southeastern Dr. Kiran C Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, OSM2

Attending medical school in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Prior Dermatology MA and Clinic Coordinator

This is my second year working with FTDAD

Fundraising Lead

University of Florida College of Medicine, MS3

Born and raised in Miami, FL, attending medical school in Gainesville, FL

Applying to dermatology residency, with clinical interests in autoimmune diseases, Rheumatology-Dermatology, and skin of color; Prior president of DIG at UF COM,

VisualDx Student Advisory Board member, DIGA Skin of Color Working Group Co-leader, Sk(in depth) dermatology newsletter Membership Engagement Chair

Advocacy serves as a powerful means to amplify the voices of those who may be unable to advocate for themselves. My passion for patient education and improving access to care has been a driving force behind my work with individuals experiencing homelessness. I have actively partnered with local dermatology practices, national skincare brands, and Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) clothing companies to secure donations, which have enabled the creation of sun-safety care packages for these underserved patients. These packages include UPF hats and shirts, sunglasses, sunscreen samples, and informative health flyers emphasizing the critical importance of sun safety. Through these efforts, I strive to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to protect their health.

1st year working with FTDAD!