Please describe your work in advancing health equity in infectious diseases. What are you most proud of and what has been its impact on reducing health disparities?
My work in advancing health equity in infectious diseases has focused on improving the hepatitis C care continuum for rural and underserved populations in Appalachian Virginia. I am proud to have built teams of compassionate clinicians, nurses, patient navigators and community partners who strive to meet patients where they are. By also supporting and training other providers to deliver HCV care, this team-based approach has expanded access to curative therapy and helped reduce disparities related to geography, stigma and insurance status.
What inspired you to focus on health equity? How has it shaped your career?
My focus on health equity has been shaped by both my clinical experiences and my background coming from a country with significant health needs and limited resources. Practicing in the United States, I became aware of a meaningful contrast: While we have effective treatments and strong health systems, access is not always evenly distributed. Caring for young patients dying from a curable disease has reinforced my commitment to a career focused on narrowing these gaps and ensuring that existing resources reach those who need them most.
What advice would you give to others looking to drive meaningful change in health equity?
My advice is to name the need when you see it, look for a solution and work steadily toward it. Share your patients’ stories and realities, and help create practical pathways, no matter how small, that move care forward. You will often hear that change is not possible, but believing in the work and in yourself is what allows progress to happen.