The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines health disparities as preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or opportunities to achieve optimal health. Resulting from multiple factors, including poverty, environmental threats, among others, health disparities are related to unequal distribution of social, political, economic, and environmental resources. UofL News talked with fourth-year UofL medical student Sierra Shockley about her commitment to addressing health disparities as a Health and Social Justice Scholar (HSJS).

Recently selected by the American Lung Association to represent the organization at Respiratory Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., Shockley met with legislators to address disparities in lung health. Her ongoing advocacy work as a HSJS gave her the chance to not only represent the American Lung Association, but also the University of Louisville.

Medical Student Shares Insights Into Health Equity Advocacy

UofL News: Tell us about your involvement with the Health and Social Justice Scholar (HSJS) program as a medical student.

Shockley: The mission of this program focuses on addressing health care disparities and promoting equity within underserved populations, which aligns perfectly with my deep-rooted commitment to give back to every community I have the privilege of serving.

What truly excites me about this program is its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering partnerships between medical students and students from various professional and doctoral programs, all working together to tackle the most pressing health inequities. Participating in this program has also challenged me to reflect on my role as a medical student and future physician, not just in treating patients but in advocating for systemic change.

UofL News: Why is it so important to address health disparities as a medical student?

Shockley:  Health disparities are not just medical problems—they are societal and reflect deep-rooted inequalities that need to be confronted if we are to create a more just and equitable health care system. It’s about making sure that healthcare is fair and accessible to all, no matter where people live or who they are.

Read the full article about a medical student's advocacy for health equity by Holly Hinson at UofL News.