Arizona
Advocacy in Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Agenda
Date: May 27, 2026
Time: 10:00 am MST
Location: virtual (zoom)
Meet the Team
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Lola Oladinni, D.O. Candidate
Chair
A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine Arizona | Class of 2026
Damilola (Lola) Oladinni, is a medical student at A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine Arizona (ATSU SOMA), currently on a research year and set to graduate in 2026. She holds a B.A. Degree in Economics from the University of Florida and a M.Ed from Arizona State University. She is passionate about health policy and increasing access to dermatologic care. In addition to her advocacy work, Lola is actively involved in research on Hidradenitis Suppurativa, vulvar dermatology, and mentorship in dermatology. She also contributes to initiatives supporting underserved communities. Through her leadership, she hopes to empower fellow future dermatologists to engage in advocacy and influence healthcare policy. In her downtime, Lola enjoys staying active, exploring new restaurants, and seeing live theater performances.
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Alejandra Sataray-Rodriguez, M.D. Candidate
Vice Chair
University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine | Class of 2027
Alejandra Sataray-Rodriguez is a third-year medical student at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine with a strong commitment to health equity, patient advocacy, and dermatologic care for underserved communities. She is actively involved in national and regional advocacy efforts and has experience in research, community outreach, and medical education. Alejandra is particularly passionate about improving access to care, increasing patient representation, and amplifying patient voices in chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as hidradenitis suppurativa. Through her leadership and advocacy work, she aims to bridge gaps between patients, clinicians, and policy to promote equitable, compassionate care.
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Ellen Peng, D.O. Candidate
Speaker Recruitment Lead
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine | Class of 2027
Ellen Peng is a third-year medical student at Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is originally from Carmel, IN. Her passion for dermatology stems from her 3 years of experience as a scribe and medical assistant in dermatology clinics. Ellen’s interests in dermatology include skin cancer treatment and prevention, as well as equity in skin health for people of color. Outside of school and extracurriculars, she enjoys hiking and checking out new restaurants!
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Levi Jensen, D.O. Candidate
Fundraising Team Lead
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM) | Class of 2028
Levi Jensen is a medical student at Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM). He earned a psychology degree from Brigham Young University (BYU), where he served as captain of the Men’s Swim and Dive team and qualified for the Olympic Trials. Before starting medical school, Levi gained clinical experience working as a dermatology medical assistant, which furthered his interest in dermatology and patient care. Outside of school, Levi enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and daughter. In his free time, he loves running, swimming, and traveling.
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Cathleen Huang, M.D. Candidate
Congressional Outreach Team Lead
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine | Class of 2027
Cathleen Huang is a third-year medical student at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Phoenix, AZ. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College, with a double major in molecular biology & biochemistry and political science. She enjoys karaokeing, hiking, gaming, thrifting, and walking with friends. She hopes to become a dermatologist in the future.
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Shreya Gundelly, D.O. Candidate
Legislative Research Team Lead
A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine Arizona | Class of 2029
Shreya Gundelly is a first-year osteopathic medical student at A.T. Still University with a deep interest in dermatology as both a restorative and preventive specialty. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Global Public Health and brings a population-health lens to clinical care, understanding skin health as deeply connected to identity, mental well-being, and self-expression. Having previously worked with Governor Tony Evers on initiatives addressing social determinants of health, Shreya is passionate about continuing to collaborate with policymakers to advance equitable access to dermatologic prevention resources as part of a broader effort to reduce disparities in skin cancer outcomes.
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Kirat Sraa, D.O. Candidate
Social Media Team Lead
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine | Class of 2028
Kirat Sraa is a second-year osteopathic medical student at Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. She earned her undergraduate degree in Honours Psychology. Prior to medical school, Kirat worked as a medical assistant, where she gained firsthand insight into the critical role of dermatology in preventive care and the systemic barriers patients face in accessing treatment. She is passionate about health advocacy and policy and is excited to serve as the Social Media Lead. Through this role, she hopes to help advance equitable dermatologic care and amplify trainee voices in legislative spaces.
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Tara Ghalambor, M.D.
Event Day Coordinator
Banner University Medical Center–Phoenix | Preliminary Year
I am a preliminary internal medicine resident at Banner University Medical Center–Phoenix, with a strong interest in complex medical dermatology and inpatient consultations. I am passionate about improving diagnostic equity and inclusive care through research, quality improvement, and advocacy. I hope to build a career that blends clinical excellence with meaningful advocacy in dermatology.
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Kiley Hassevoort, D.O. Candidate
Kiley Hassevoort is a third-year medical student at A.T Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is currently living in Ohio, completing her clinical rotations. My passion for dermatology stems from working in a dermatology office as a medical and surgical assistant. My specific interests in dermatology include skin cancer prevention and treatment, the surgical aspect of dermatology, and access to care in rural and underserved areas. In her free time, she enjoys working on 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles, listening to audiobooks, hiking, and cooking/baking.
Meet the Speakers
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Chris Sayed, MD
Dr. Sayed is a Professor of Dermatology at the University of North Carolina Department of Dermatology where he is Director of the Program of Clinical and Research Excellence in HS. He is Vice President of the HS Foundation and an investigator for clinical and translational research for HS.
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Steven Daveluy, MD
Dr. Daveluy is a professor and program director at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.
He earned a bachelor's in science from Michigan State University. He completed medical
school and his dermatology residency at Wayne State University.
He holds special interests in teledermatology, noninvasive skin imaging, skin of color,
integrative dermatology, and complex medical dermatology, including
hidradenitis suppurativa. He is active on AAD committees, including MIPS Value Pathway and
DataDerm Oversight. He is the past president of the Wayne County Medical Society and
Michigan Dermatological Society. He serves on the board of directors of the HS Foundation,
editorial board for the JAAD, Associate Editor for JAAD Case Reports, and Co-Chief Editor of the Journal of Integrative Dermatology. He lives across the border in Windsor, Ontario, Canada
with his husband and two very spoiled dogs.
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Dr. Joslyn Kirby
Dr. Joslyn Kirby is a dermatologist and researcher dedicated to improving life for people with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). From leading the HS Foundation to her current work in clinical development and academia, she focuses on finding real-world solutions for people with HS.
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Lindsay Ackerman, MD
Dr. Lindsay Ackerman is the founding physician of Medical Dermatology Specialists,
and the Medical Dermatology Specialists’ Clinical Research Unit in Phoenix, Arizona,
which are now a part of US Dermatology Partners.
Dr. Ackerman earned her medical degree at the University of Arizona College of
Medicine, and trained in Dermatology, followed by a fellowship in complex medical
dermatology, at Tulane University in New Orleans. She actively practices clinical
dermatology and serves as both a Principal Investigator and Director of Research.
Dr. Ackerman is an Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Arizona
College of Medicine, Lead Faculty Attending for resident education in Dermatology, and
the Chief of Inpatient Dermatology at Banner University Medical Center. She is also the
founder and president of SKINTELLAGENT: Dermatology Undressed, a 501(c)(3)
organization committed educating the public and healthcare professionals about skin as
a window into internal pathology, and the consequence of primary skin disease.
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Dr. David Baltazar
I am a board-certified dermatologist currently practicing in Phoenix, Arizona. My path to medicine was nontraditional but deeply meaningful—prior to becoming a physician, I worked as a physical therapist, where I developed a strong foundation in patient-centered care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocacy. I later earned my medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences and completed my dermatology residency at HonorHealth in Scottsdale, where I served as Chief Resident and actively contributed to hospital-wide leadership initiatives.
Since entering practice in 2023, I have focused on general dermatology and have remained deeply engaged in organized medicine. I currently serve as an At-Large Director on the Arizona Medical Association (ArMA) Board of Directors and as an Alternate Delegate to the AMA, where I advocate for Arizona physicians within the AMA House of Delegates. I am also a member of ArMA’s Legislative and Governmental Affairs Committee, where I work alongside colleagues across specialties to evaluate proposed legislation and support policies that benefit the entire house of medicine.
In addition to my roles within ArMA, I serve as the Advocacy Director for the Phoenix Dermatologic Society, Secretary for the Arizona Dermatology Society, and a representative to the American Academy of Dermatology’s Advisory Board. Nationally, I was selected for the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery’s Future Leader Network, where I have performed original research on scope of practice and advertising by non-physician providers in states with varying degrees of regulatory oversight
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Brent Hazelett
Brent Hazelett first began consulting with the HS Foundation in 2019, then became the first employee in 2022 when he was named CEO. Over the past seven years the Foundation has increased its budget tenfold, largely due to the increased and long overdue attention received by HS. Mr. Hazelett has worked in non-profits his entire career, most recently serving as Vice President for the NC Academy of Family Physicians. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa and a graduate degree from NC State, both in Public Administration.
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Kathleen Muldoon, PhD
Kathleen Muldoon, PhD, is a certified coach, award-winning educator, and nationally recognized advocate whose work focuses on humanity, communication, and systems change in healthcare. She is a Professor at Midwestern University, where she developed innovative medical education curricula including Humanity in Medicine, Medical Improv, and Narrative Medicine to help trainees navigate clinical complexity with compassion, communication skill, and moral courage. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience as the mother of a child with disabilities related to congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), Dr. Muldoon brings a deeply patient- and learner-centered perspective to medical education and advocacy. She was named 2023 National Educator of the Year by the Student Osteopathic Medical Association and 2025 “Best Advocate” by Phoenix Magazine.
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Gabrielle Draper
Gabrielle Draper is a passionate health care advocate who is dedicated to ensuring that all patients have equitable access to quality, affordable care. Since graduating from Howard University with degrees in Psychology and Political Science, Gabby has worked to influence policy on the federal and state level, supporting multiple patient and provider advocacy organizations in a range of health care fields. In her capacity as Director of Policy and Advocacy of the Derma Care Access Network, Gabby serves as a liaison between constituents and policymakers, uplifting patient and provider voices in the skin community to inform health care policy decisions around dermatological care. Alongside her work with DCAN, Gabby is pursuing her Masters of Public Health at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health in Washington, D.C.
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Jasmine Epsy
From blazing trails in multimedia journalism for marginalized communities to emerging as a documentary filmmaker and storyteller to becoming the Founder and CEO of the Association of Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Inflammatory Diseases (AHSID), Jasmine IVANNA Espy is a living testimony that owning your story is your power.
When Espy was diagnosed with (HS), loneliness, shame, and isolation began to settle in. Amid this uncertainty, she knew one thing to be true — she didn’t want anyone else to feel like she did. The more she learned about healing her body, the more tools she gathered to help others do the same. For Jasmine, advocacy means more than being able to speak up for yourself. It means owning your story. It means embracing shame. It means lobbying to ensure people without access to proper care in the medical community have a voice and are extended equity.
Espy is a sought-after storyteller who views her chronic illness as a vital gateway, not a hindrance to her creative path. In 2020, Espy began working with pharmaceutical companies, small businesses, and media outlets, bringing awareness to (HS) by retelling her unique experience. In June 2023, Espy wrapped one of her most significant projects to date, a multi-part campaign where Espy served as an on-camera talent, storyteller, and co-producer for Novartis’ The Beacons documentary. The documentary premiered during the Tribeca Film Festival and highlighted various Hidradenitis Suppurativa patient stories from across the globe. Espy uncovered her scars, laid out her truth, and showed herself and the world there is beauty in disease. There is a purpose in pain.
This work has also extended opportunities to sit on DEI panels for clinical trials, consult with global teams, and serve as a keynote speaker for HS Advisory Boards and Masterclass in Storytelling, reaching audience members, patients, and advocates across Asia Pacific, Middle East, and the United States, and Africa.
Espy is a health and wellness influencer and co-chair of the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Coalition. Espy is actively engaging in community and in conversation with organizations and individuals who can spark change in the HS community and beyond—further confirming her belief that influencers can have an impact, especially when they produce their content.
Espy tells meaningful stories across various platforms and topics, unified under the belief that people are worthy of care. Espy and her awareness work lives in ESSENCE, Ebony, Healthline, Health Central, Hud & Helse, Insider, Media Planet, Thought Catalog, and VeryWell Health. Espy's unexpected diagnosis with a chronic illness evoked an unshakeable, unconditional commitment to self-expression, self-love, and advocacy.
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Brindley Brooks
Hi! I'm Brindley Brooks, Founder and Executive Director of HS Connect. I have lived with HS for the last 36 years and also am the mother to 2 daughters with HS. I live in Puyallup, WA outside of Seattle (bonus points if you can pronounce it correctly)! In my free time I love to read, learn new things, come up with ideas and then bring them to life; in truth, I spend most of my time working on HS Connect. I live with my husband, Dave, and our 18 year old daughter, Kaitlynn (bio daughter w/ Stage 2 HS). We also have a 22 year old, Hannah (stepdaughter w/ Stage 1 HS), who lives with her boyfriend (who also has HS). Hannah is my favorite child since she's no longer living at home! Our family loves animals and we have an affinity for the underdog, quite literally; we either adopt older dogs or neglected pups, but I think we're set for a while with 4 dogs and 3 cats! My aspiration in life is to change the way that the world sees HS and to provide the most vibrant and trusted community for those living with HS.