Implementing a Student-Led Dermatology Trainee Advocacy Day in Kentucky

Authors

  • Alicia Fields University of Kentucky College of Medicine Bowling Green Campus

Keywords:

Advocacy, Dermatology, Medical students, Health Policy, Community outreach

Abstract

Planning Kentucky’s first Dermatology Trainee Advocacy Day was one of the most meaningful experiences of the author’s time as a medical student. Inspired by a national movement and supported by professional organizations, this student-led initiative engaged medical trainees and dermatologists in discussions about policy and health disparities. The virtual statewide conference served as a catalyst for ongoing advocacy, legislative engagement, and community outreach. The initiative demonstrated how motivated trainees could drive meaningful change and underscored the value of integrating advocacy into medical education. The author encourages fellow medical students to explore advocacy, emphasizing that even as trainees, they can be powerful voices for change and contribute to improving patient outcomes.

References

References

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University of Kentucky Center for Health Equity Transformation. Center for health equity transformation seeks to improve health of all Kentuckians. Available from: https://research.uky.edu/news/center-health-equity-transformation-seeks-improve-health-all-kentuckians. Last updated Jan 2, 2020; cited July 7, 2025.

University of Kentucky. Markey report reveals disparities in Kentucky’s childhood cancer rates. Available from : https://www.research.uky.edu/news/markey-report-reveals-disparities-kentuckys-childhood-cancer-rates#:~:text=During%20this%2010%2Dyear%20period,higher%20than%20the%20national%20rate. Last updated: June 14, 2024; cited July 7, 2025.

Kentucky Medical Association. KMA advocacy. Available from: https://kyma.org/advocacy/. Last updated: 2025; cited July 7, 2025.

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AIM at Melanoma. Indoor tanning restrictions for minors. Available from: https://www.aimatmelanoma.org/legislation-policy-advocacy/indoor-tanning/. Last updated 2023; cited July 7, 2025.

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Published

2026-03-16

How to Cite

Alicia Fields. (2026). Implementing a Student-Led Dermatology Trainee Advocacy Day in Kentucky. International Journal of Medical Students. Retrieved from https://ijms.info/IJMS/article/view/3645

Issue

Forthcoming

Section

Experience

Categories

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Copyright (c) 2026 Alicia Fields

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