Class Of 2025

Generation Tomorrow Program,  Johns Hopkins Center for AIDS Research (CFAR)

Briefly describe what you did for your Applied Experience and any highlights.

During the summer of 2023, I worked with the CFAR Generation Tomorrow program to tackle HIV/HCV health disparities and their intersection with substance use, violence, mental health, and the social determinants of health. I did HIV testing and counseling in the Baltimore community. Many stigmas are associated with HIV; therefore to combat this issue I focused on community outreach to provide information on HIV and other services such as blood pressure testing to build trust with the community. I also helped out in testing events throughout Baltimore to offer people an HIV test and provide people with brochures that contained information about HIV and the importance of testing. Throughout the program, I conducted a research project focused on the correlation between vacant housing and HIV prevalence with my mentor. My research project, along with those of my colleagues, has opened my eyes to the complexity of the research process. It is imperative to use the information we acquire to develop a comprehensive understanding of the issues that people face every day to pave the way for solutions. 

How has your experience informed your understanding of public health?

My experience expanded my understanding of public health. I saw how systemic racism and social determinants such as environment and access to education and health play a role in the prevalence of a disease. In addition, these factors also play a role in people’s decision-making. It’s important to consider social determinants in our conversations about public health issues. My experience also showed me that properly educating yourself and others is imperative to tackling misconceptions that often pose a barrier to someone being linked to treatment early. Hepatitis C is curable with treatment, but if it’s not treated it can result in cirrhosis, Hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver failure. Social determinants and misconceptions about Hepatitis C can delay people from receiving treatment early on. Therefore, it’s important to continue bringing awareness to public health issues.

How does this experience align with your future goals?

A future goal of mine is to become a physician and to continue researching. I want to make sure I’m incorporating public health into my practice such as opening or working in a clinic, attending community events, attending campaigns, and advocating for policies that can make a greater change for people’s health. During my experience, I worked alongside physicians who maintained both their interpersonal care and contributed to public health efforts such as implementing programs and advocating for government initiatives that focus on HIV and HCV detection. Working alongside these professionals made me realize that I can do both during my career.

How do you think your time at JHU prepared you for this work?

I could see the intersection between what I’ve learned at JHU and my program. My education from JHU provided me with a background to better understand the determinants surrounding HIV and HCV. My backgroundallowed me to formulate ideas to incorporate at community outreach events and during discussions with community partners. JHU also equipped me with a solid foundation on how to conduct a research project.