One thing that excites me about clinical research is getting to learn more about the science behind different diseases. But I’m also realizing that I’m just as interested in the people behind them.

The clinical research program I did over the summer covered areas like cardiology, dermatology, mental health, and trauma. I’m especially interested in prevention and underserved communities because I’ve started to see how someone’s situation can affect their health.

Research should look at more than whether a treatment works. Two people can have the same diagnosis but have very different experiences. One might have good insurance, a car, and doctors nearby. The other might have trouble paying for care or even getting to an appointment. They have the same disease, but they don’t necessarily have the same chance of getting the care they need.

I want to understand why some people get diagnosed early while others don’t get help until they’re much sicker. I also wonder why some people are able to get treatment while others aren’t.