South Carolina
6:00 - 6:05 PM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
6:05 - 6:10 PM
Legislative Landscape Update - Carol Stegura
6:10 - 6:30 PM
From Clinic to Capitol: An Introduction to Physician Advocacy
Dr. Jeff Cashman
6:30 - 6:35 PM
Audience Q&A
6:35 - 6:50 PM
Breaking Down S.44 & S.45: What These Bills Mean for Dermatology Patients
Dr. Alan Snyder & Dr. Graciela De Jesus
6:50 - 6:55 PM
Audience Q&A
6:55 - 7:10 PM
Advocacy in Action: A Medical Student’s Guide to Writing Legislation
KB Jernigan & Isabel Stringfellow
7:10 - 7:20 PM
From Idea to Impact: My Experience Writing a Healthcare Bill as a Medical Student
Alison Renner
7:20 - 7:25 PM
Audience Q&A
7:25 - 7:30 PM
Service Spotlight: Spartanburg & Community Outreach Updates
Diti Patel & Jasmine Hawkins
7:30 - 7:45 PM
Beyond the Clinic: Getting Involved in Dermatology Service & Melanoma Advocacy
Ellis Shroeder
7:45 - 7:50 PM
Audience Q&A
7:50 PM
Closing Remarks & Next Steps
Agenda
Date: May 4th
TImE: 6 - 8 pm EST
location: Zoom (virtual)
Meet the Team
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Carol Stegura
Co-President
Carol is a rising 4th year medical student at the Medical University of South Carolina, where she is currently completing a dedicated research fellowship in dermatology. Carol studied bioengineering at Clemson University and obtained a master degree in biomedical engineering prior to medical school. She serves as Co-President of the South Carolina Dermatology Trainee Advocacy Group and is passionate about legislative advocacy to improve patient access to dermatologic care and support the future of the specialty. Now in her third year with DTAG, Carol has been actively involved in state advocacy efforts, working to amplify trainee voices and advance policies that strengthen dermatologic care delivery. She is committed to integrating clinical practice, research, and advocacy throughout her career in dermatology.Academic Background: Medical University of South Carolina, College of Medicine/Master of Science in Clinical Research, Medical Student, Class of 2027 B.S./M.E. Bioengineering, Clemson University
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Jasmine Hawkins
Co-President
Jasmine is a fourth-year medical student at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville and serves as co-president of South Carolina’s DTAG chapter. She plans to pursue a career in dermatology and is particularly passionate about health equity, teledermatology, and expanding access to dermatologic care for underserved communities.
Academic Background: M.D. Candidate, USC School of Medicine Greenville, Medical Student, Class of 2026
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Leah Carrasquillo
Marketing & Communications Chair
Leah is a graduate student at the University of Miami pursuing a Master’s degree in Skin Science and Dermatological Sciences. She serves as the Social Media and Marketing Chair for the South Carolina Dermatology Advocacy Group and is passionate about advancing dermatology through community outreach and state and legislative advocacy.A military spouse and Licensed Medical Aesthetician in three states, Leah has been actively involved in dermatology since 2009. She is deeply passionate about advocacy and improving patient outcomes. With a strong foundation in patient care and advocacy, Leah remains dedicated to expanding her impact and plans to pursue a PhD focused on pediatric dermatology, with the goal of advancing care and outcomes for children with complex skin conditions and cancer research.
Academic Background: Master of Science, Skin Biology & Dermatological Sciences – University of Miami, Graduate Student, Class of 2026 M.S., Cosmetic Science – University of Cincinnati, Core Clinical Research Training, CCRT – Medical University of South Carolina, B.S., Natural Science / Biology – American Military University
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Rachelle Cook
Social & Marketing
Rachelle is a third-year medical student at VCOM–Carolinas with a strong interest in dermatology and public health education. Her passion for dermatology began while working as a medical assistant at a dermatology and skin cancer center, where she collaborated closely with two Mohs surgeons. This experience deepened her commitment to skin cancer prevention and patient education.Rachelle enjoys developing research initiatives and refining her clinical skills in the simulation center through hands-on learning. She is dedicated to advancing dermatological care through education, advocacy, and empowering patients to take an active role in their health.
Academic Background: D.O. Candidate, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, VCOM Carolinas Campus, Class of 2027, M.A. in Biomedical Sciences, Bluefield University, B.A. Global Health & Environment, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Jordan Jankowski
Social & Marketing
Jordan is a third-year medical student at VCOM-Carolinas and a Florida native whose interest in dermatology was inspired by witnessing the health impacts of sun exposure. After graduating from Florida State University in 2022, she spent a gap year working with dermatologists and Mohs surgeons across urban and rural North Carolina, gaining experience with skin cancers and other dermatologic conditions while recognizing the need for better patient education on prevention and screenings. She is committed to promoting skin cancer awareness and empowering individuals to feel healthy and confident in their skin.
Academic Background: D.O. Candidate, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, VCOM Carolinas Campus, Class of 2027, B.A. Humanities, Florida State University
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Adarsh Shidhaye
Service Committee
Adarsh is a third-year medical student at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. Originally from Greenville, SC, and Cary, NC, he earned his B.S. in Public Health from the University of South Carolina. His interest in dermatology began during undergraduate shadowing experiences and has continued to grow throughout medical school.Adarsh has explored this passion through service, leadership, and research. He served as Co-President of the Dermatology Interest Group, leading community outreach efforts that provided sun safety education to local elementary schools and community organizations. His interests include rheumatologic dermatology, emerging therapies, and medical education, with a focus on improving care and awareness for patients with complex and rare dermatologic conditions.
Academic Background: D.O. Candidate, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, VCOM Carolinas Campus, Class of 2028
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Diti Patel
Spartanburg Chair
Diti is a second-year medical student at VCOM–Carolinas with a strong interest in dermatology, inspired by the profound impact skin health has on patients’ lives. During her gap year, she worked as a medical assistant with a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in North Carolina, strengthening her commitment to patient education and skin cancer prevention.She also conducts skin cancer research focused on UV-related damage and melanoma and volunteers at Dermatology Nights at St. Luke’s Free Clinic. Diti is dedicated to compassionate, patient-centered care and continued growth in dermatology.
Academic Background: D.O. Candidate, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, VCOM Carolinas Campus, Class of 2028, B.S. Biomedical Sciences, University of South Florida
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Lydia Comer
Social & Marketing
Lydia is a third-year medical student at the Medical University of South Carolina with a strong interest in dermatology and health equity. She is particularly passionate about addressing racial and ethnic disparities in skin cancer prevention and treatment, especially within Hispanic populations. Her work includes dermatology-focused research and leading community outreach initiatives through UV&Me, an organization she founded to promote sun safety and skin health education.
Academic Background: Medical University of South Carolina, M.S CCRT Medical Student, Class of 2027, MSCR (Research Year) 2026-2027, B.A. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Luke Broughton
Service Committee
Luke is a Lancaster, South Carolina native and a graduate of Clemson University. He is deeply committed to the field of medical dermatology, with focused interests in rheumatologic dermatology, translational research, and improving patient access to high-quality care. Driven by a passion for both science and service, Luke aims to contribute to innovative research and equitable healthcare solutions that enhance outcomes for patients with complex dermatologic diseases.
Academic Background: Medical University of South Carolina, M.S CCRT, Medical Student, Class of 2027, Clemson University
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Nicole Sopala
Service Committee
Nicole is a first-year medical student at USC School of Medicine Greenville with a strong interest in lifestyle medicine and dermatology. She became interested in dermatology while watching primary care physicians give patients preventative counseling during her internship at Clemson's Rural Health Clinic. Seeing them help patients starting to show signs of skin health issues inspired her to learn to take thorough patient histories and promote patient education.Nicole is dedicated to promoting preventative care in dermatology through patient education and collaborative care that allows patients to be a part of their healthcare decisions.
Academic Background: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Medical Student, Class of 2029, B.S. Health Science, Clemson University
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Julia Lunt
Service Committee
Julia is a fourth year at University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. She is excited to have recently matched at Virginia Tech Carilion for Dermatology and to be a part of DTAG for her second year. Julia is passionate about all things Dermatology, especially Rheum-Dermatology.
Academic Background:University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Medical Student, Class of 2026, Clemson University, B.S. Bioengineering, Class of 2022
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Korinna Toth
Service Committee
Korinna is a second-year medical student at VCOM Carolinas with a strong interest in pursuing dermatology. Although dermatology was always something that intrigued her, working along-side a Mohs surgeon after her undergraduate studies really solidified this passion. Through an amazing hands on experience, she got to put many clinical skills into practice, and was able to help educate patients on the importance of preventative measures regarding skin cancer. She hopes to continue making a difference and diving deeper into research and education regarding this topic.
Academic Background: D.O. Candidate, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, VCOM Carolinas Campus, Class of 2028, B.S. Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences, Florida State University - Class of 2022
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Kathryn Keller
Legislative Chair
Kathryn is a fourth-year medical student pursuing a concurrent Master's in Clinical Research and Doctorate of Medicine with aspirations to specialize in dermatology. Currently serving as Legislature Chair for DTAG, she is committed to advancing health policy and improving access to dermatologic care for underserved populations. Her academic training in public health, combined with their clinical experience in medical school, has shaped her dedication to addressing systemic barriers to care that she aims to carry into her future career in dermatology.
Academic Background: Medical University of South Carolina, Medical Student, Class of 2027, Masters of Clinical Research, MUSC 2026, B.S. Public Health with an emphasis in Health Promotion and a minor in Spanish from the University of Georgia 2022
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Rachel Maile
Service Committee
Rachel is a second-year medical student at the Medical University of South Carolina and a Charleston, South Carolina native. She graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2023, where she worked as an EMT throughout college and during her subsequent gap year. Rachel has been actively involved in serving underserved communities through her work with several free medical clinics, including the Good Samaritan Clinic, Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic, and most recently as Hispanic Care Coordinator for the CARES Clinic. These experiences have shaped her commitment to health equity. Currently, she works part-time at a local dermatology clinic, where she assists with procedures and clinic operations. Rachel is very interested in dermatology, particularly as it pertains to advancing advocacy and improving care for underserved populations.
Academic Background: M.D. Candidate, Medical University of South Carolina, Class of 2028, B.A. Spanish; B.S. Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Class of 2023
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Anna Gross
Service Committee
Anna is currently a third-year medical student at the Medical University of South Carolina. With a strong early interest in dermatology, she gained valuable experience working as a medical assistant at a private dermatology practice, where she assisted with Mohs surgeries, full-body skin exams, and various complex dermatologic cases. Her time in this role highlighted the significant impacts of sun exposure and skin cancer, fueling her passion for raising awareness about the importance of routine screenings and skin cancer prevention. During medical school, Anna has actively volunteered at free skin cancer screenings in the community and participated in Dermatology Nights at the CARES Free Medical Clinic. As an active member of SC-DTAG, Anna is dedicated to expanding her expertise in dermatology and enhancing public knowledge through continuous education and advocacy.
Academic Background: M.D. Candidate, Medical University of South Carolina, Class of 2028, B.S. in Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Class of 2022
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Natalie Markley
Legislative Committee
Natalie is a third-year medical student at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas campus and a proud South Carolina native. She is passionate about improving the health of her community by promoting healthy lifestyles, advocating for underserved areas, and strengthening the relationship between medicine and the people of South Carolina. After attending the 2024 SC-DTAG Conference and volunteering at Gibbs Cancer Center to provide free skin cancer screenings, she developed a strong interest in dermatology, particularly in rural areas. Driven by a desire to bridge healthcare gaps, she is eager to continue her advocacy work in public health by joining the Legislative Team for SC-DTAG, where she hopes to promote a healthier, happier community. With a commitment to both medicine and service, Natalie looks forward to expanding her knowledge and skills to better serve the people of South Carolina.
Academic Background: D.O. Candidate, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, VCOM Carolinas Campus, Class of 2027, B.S. Clemson University, Class of 2022
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Jules Harper
Service Committee Chair
My name is Jules Harper, and I am honored to serve as the Service Chair for the Dermatology Trainee Advocacy Group. I am currently completing my third year of medical school at MUSC in Charleston, South Carolina. I attended Clemson University for my undergraduate studies and feel incredibly fortunate to be continuing my training in my hometown!
What I value most about DTAG is the opportunity to be part of such a passionate and supportive community dedicated to dermatology education and advocacy. Over the past two years, working alongside this team has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I am grateful for all that I have learned and look forward to carrying these experiences forward into my future career in medicine.
Academic Background: M.D. Candidate, Medical University of South Carolina, Class of 2027, B.S. Clemson University, Class of 2022
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Sabrina Avanzato
Service Committee
Sabrina is a third-year medical student at VCOM–Carolinas with a strong interest in dermatologic surgery and medical education. Her interest in dermatology began while working as a medical assistant at a dermatology clinic in her hometown of Reading, Pennsylvania. Her passion for education and advocacy in dermatology deepened after joining South Carolina’s first chapter of DTAG in 2023. She currently serves as a Service Chair for DTAG for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Academic Background: D.O. Candidate, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, VCOM Carolinas Campus, Class of 2027, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, B.S. in Microbiology, Class of 2022
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Mackenzie Hanson
SC-DTAG Member
Mackenzie is a second-year medical student at VCOM Carolinas with a strong interest in pursuing dermatology. Throughout her undergraduate and post-graduate training, she worked closely with dermatologists in Fargo, North Dakota, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, experiences that further solidified her commitment to the field. Through hands-on clinical exposure, she gained experience in the surgical, cosmetic, and medical aspects of dermatology and developed a particular interest in skin cancer detection, prevention, and management, which she hopes to continue pursuing throughout her medical training and future career.
Academic Background: D.O. Candidate, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, VCOM Carolinas Campus, Class of 2028, St. Thomas University, B.S. Biochemistry
Meet the Speakers
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Dr. Jeff Cashman
Dr. Jeff Cashman, MS, DO, FACOFP is the Associate Dean for Pre-Clinical Medical Education at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Carolinas Campus. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Clemson University, a Master’s in Epidemiology from the Medical University of South Carolina, and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine–Georgia. He completed his Family Medicine residency at AnMed Health and a fellowship in osteopathic medical education at Midwestern University. Dr. Cashman is a dedicated leader in medical education and clinical practice, serving as a preceptor for the Spartanburg Regional Family Medicine Residency and continuing to provide medical consults in Spartanburg, SC. He currently serves as the 165th President of the South Carolina Medical Association, becoming the first osteopathic physician to hold this role, and is actively involved in advancing physician leadership and rural healthcare initiatives across the state.
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Dr. Alan Snyder
Dr. Alan Snyder earned both his MD and MS in Clinical Research from MUSC, where he completed his dermatology residency and served as Chief Resident. He received his undergraduate degree in Biology and History, with a minor in Chemistry, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A prolific contributor to the field, Dr. Snyder has authored over 70 publications, book chapters, and presentations at national and international meetings. His clinical interests span general, medical, and surgical dermatology, with particular expertise in managing complex dermatologic conditions, including Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. In addition to his clinical and academic work, Dr. Snyder is deeply engaged in advocacy. He regularly speaks at the state house to promote policies that support patient access to dermatologic care. He is also a recurring contributor to dermatology advocacy conferences, including our annual Dermatology Trainee Advocacy Day, where he educates and inspires physicians and trainees to become effective advocates for their patients and profession.
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Dr. Graciela De Jesus
Dr. Graciela De Jesus is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist dedicated to advancing patient-centered care, education, and advocacy in dermatology. Born and raised in San Juan, she earned her medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus. She completed her dermatology training at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University and further specialized in dermatopathology at Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology. Currently Dr. De Jesus serves as a dermatologist at the Medical University of South Carolina and as Dermatology Section Chief at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. She also collaborates with the Hollings Cancer Center to lead a specialized clinic focused on patients at increased risk for skin cancer due to hereditary genetic variants. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. De Jesus is a dedicated educator and mentor, deeply committed to training the next generation of physicians. She is a strong advocate not only for her patients, but also for her students emphasizing compassionate care, health equity, and lifelong learning. She is a passionate proponent of sun safety and skin cancer prevention, promoting public awareness and patient education as key components of her dermatologic care.
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KB Jernigan
Kayla Beth Jernigan is a fourth-year medical student at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville with a passion for policy and advocacy. Throughout her medical school years, she has been actively involved in the American Medical Association (AMA), the South Carolina Medical Association (SCMA), and the Greenville County Medical Society (GCMS). She currently serves as the Chair of the Medical Student Section of SCMA, collaborating with students across South Carolina’s four medical schools to elevate trainee perspectives and advance initiatives that support the future of medicine. Through her work in organized medicine, she is committed to shaping policies that improve patient care and strengthen the physician workforce.
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Isabel Stringfellow
Isabel Stringfellow, BS, is currently pursuing her Doctor of Medicine at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Greenville, with an anticipated graduation in May 2028. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health from the University of South Carolina in 2022.
Ms. Stringfellow served as a Clinical Research Assistant with the Complex Care Service at Boston Children’s Hospital from 2022 to 2024. She is actively engaged in organized medicine and health policy at both the state and national levels. Ms. Stringfellow serves as the Medical Student Section Policy Chair for the South Carolina Medical Association, where she mentors students in policy development. She also holds national leadership roles within the AMA, including service on the Impact, Policy, and Action Committee in the section for Clinical Practice and Ethics.
Outside of medicine, you can find her running on the Swamp Rabbit trail and cheering on the Red Sox!
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Dr. Allison Renner
Dr. Alison Renner earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Carolinas Campus after completing her undergraduate studies at Clemson University, where she earned a degree in Biomedical Engineering. She completed her residency training in Family Medicine at Spartanburg Regional Health System and now practices outpatient family medicine with Spartanburg Regional Health System in Boiling Springs, SC. Dr. Renner is passionate about lifestyle medicine and delivering patient-centered care, focusing on empowering individuals to achieve optimal health through sustainable habits and personalized treatment plans. She has been actively involved in organized medicine since the start of medical school, including leadership roles within the South Carolina Osteopathic Medical Society, Spartanburg County Medical Society and the South Carolina Medical Association.
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Ellis Schroeder
Ellis Schroeder is a freshman at Harvard from Atlanta, Georgia, passionate about health equity and cancer prevention. He led the nonprofit DermaTeens and various initiatives for skin cancer prevention and health equity across Atlanta, working with city government and public health officials to install IMPACT Melanoma sunscreen dispensers, promote access to preventative healthcare and sun safety, and educate youth on skin health. He advises IMPACT Melanoma's Youth Council, an initiative he founded, and mentors youth across the country on public health community impact projects. Beyond public health, Ellis hopes to pursue a career in medicine and public health leadership.