Throughout medical school, I served as the primary liaison and leader for LGBTQIA+ initiatives, where I oversaw a variety of training, educational, and awareness activities aimed at fostering an inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Notable initiatives included organizing Transgender Health Week, implementing Safe-Space Training sessions, and facilitating discussions on the significance of “coming out” stories from a patient perspective.

I advocated for the availability of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) on campus, ensuring that this vital resource was accessible to all university students. I also spearheaded the inaugural “Diversity Week” in April 2023 and “Pride Week” in May 2023, both of which have become annual traditions. During Diversity Week, I collaborated with 14 identity-based student organizations to host impactful events that integrated DEI principles into healthcare discussions and explored identity-focused barriers. Pride Week included sessions on LGBTQIA+ healthcare barriers, education on the importance of Pride Month, and a Lavender Graduation ceremony celebrating LGBTQIA+ fourth-year students.

My efforts extended to enhancing DEI within the institution by advocating for gender-neutral restrooms, prayer rooms, and developing a comprehensive DEI admissions brochure. I also worked with stakeholders to establish a permanent diversity display on campus and led pre-interview DEI discussions for prospective students, ensuring they understood the school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

As a current resident physician that is part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I know that for so many LGBTQIA+ patients, walking into a medical space can be intimidating. But when we see providers who reflect us, who respect us, and who create space for us to be our full selves, everything shifts. In healthcare, that kind of connection can be the difference between fear and trust, silence and honesty, neglect and healing. This means fewer barriers, more compassionate care, and better health outcomes for communities that have too often been marginalized or misunderstood. That is the kind of care I want to give and the kind of world I want to help continue building.