My goal throughout college has been to obtain as many skills and opportunities I can to

make a difference in the community. I have a particular interest in finding solutions in the
disparities within the African-American communities, such as poor prenatal care, poor nutrition,
and low birth weight outcomes among infants. I have become interested in these areas of need
through my experience as a premedical student, growing up in an urban, economic-depriving
neighborhood.
As a premedical student, one is required to volunteer at a hospital, shadow a physician,
and volunteer in the community, as an effort to show ones interest in the healthcare field.
During my time volunteering at the hospital, I would see patients being turned down because of
their insurance or lack of insurance. I understood that medicine was a business, but it was just
heartbreaking to see these patients experience that. I have also been denied health care when I
desired care most. As a physician, the creed is to treat the patient any way that is possible. It
does not mention if the individual is financially capable to pay for your time. I would like to
change how patients without health insurance are treated. As I grow into the field of healthcare
management, I hope to make policies that protect families against not being treated strictly for
not having insurance and being discriminated against strictly for their socioeconomic
background.
Growing up in an economically deprived neighborhood, I have noticed why the
disparities are as prevalent as they are. The main reason for this outcome is because the
education systems among neighborhoods that are economically disadvantaged are poor in
terms of funding, teacher supply, and resources. The only way to pry ones family from the pits
of the social hierarchy, a high education background is required. If resources cannot be
obtained, teachers cannot be paid, and books cannot be bought, then the opportunity for these
students to excel within academia is greatly affected.
Some of the issues I have named can be improved by changing our socioeconomic
factors as a community and changing policies within the healthcare industry. My goal is to
become in positions where I can make a difference. Along with my experience I mentioned
earlier, my experience with the sciences, such as my research experience and stem mentoring
program, should be great evidence to prove that I am passionate about public health and am
deserving to participate in this summer program.
Top 5 Areas: Health Policy and Management, Health Behaviors/Health Education, Epidemology,
Maternal and Child Health, and Occupational Safety and Health