Implementing a Student-Led Dermatology Trainee Advocacy Day in Kentucky

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2026.3645

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

1. Krishnamurthy S, Soltany KA, Montez K. Incorporating health policy and advocacy curricula into undergraduate medical education in the United States. J Med Educ Curric Dev. 2023;10:23821205231191601.

2. 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; updated 2020 Jan 2; cited 2025 Jul 7.

3. 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; updated 2024 Jun 14; cited 2025 Jul 7.

4. Kentucky Medical Association. KMA advocacy. Available from: https://kyma.org/advocacy/; updated 2025; cited 2025 Jul 7.

5. Patterson B, Holman DM, Qin J, Smith K, Zhou Y. Examination of laws allowing sunscreen use in schools in the context of UV levels by state. J Adolesc Health. 2021 Feb;68(2):407–410.

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

Framed official proclamation from the Governor of Kentucky declaring “Dermatology Trainee Advocacy Day,” featuring the state seal, formal text, signatures, and a gold embossed ribbon.

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Published

2026-03-16 — Updated on 2026-03-16

How to Cite

Fields, A. (2026). Implementing a Student-Led Dermatology Trainee Advocacy Day in Kentucky. International Journal of Medical Students, 14(1), 42–44. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2026.3645

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Experience

Categories

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Copyright (c) 2026 Alicia Fields

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