Adia Lowther: Career Development: Attending professional networking events (1-3 points)

On September 9th, I attended the "The Future of Sickle Cell Disease: Research, Treatment, and Awareness" event at the Morehouse School of Medicine. The central theme of the event was examining the current state of sickle cell disease and the strategies we can use in the future to improve patient outcomes. I thought the event was insightful and really hit close to home because even though no one in my family suffers from sickle cell, African Americans are disproportionately affected by this disease. At the event, I had the opportunity to hear from researchers studying Sickle Cell disease and from patient advocates about their experiences with the disease and their plans to improve outcomes. In one section, we had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Rick Kittles, Senior Vice President for Research, in his lecture, “From Genetics to Gene Therapies: Challenges and Opportunities in SCD.” In this presentation, he discusses how sickle cell disease is caused by a mutation in the HBB gene, which encodes a subunit of hemoglobin, leading to the sickle shape of blood cells in affected individuals. I thought his lecture was the most interesting because of the intersection between biomedical research and public health. In my Intro to Public Health Class, we learn how public health in proactive while medicine is reactive. Not only are we trying to achieve better future outcomes, but we are also seeking ways to help those who already have the disease.

One of the key points that Dr. Kittles discussed is that by studying the genetics of the disease, we can gain a deeper understanding of its impact. Gene therapies for sickle cell disease include gene addition and editing, in which cells are modified and reintroduced into the body, allowing new instructions to create functional hemoglobin. These procedures hold promise for the future treatment of sickle cell disease. Some of the challenges that arise, however, come from affordability and equitable access. Sickle cell disease disproportionally affects people from the African diaspora, many of whom face barriers in healthcare access and quality, as well as economic stability. Cultural competency and understanding the social determinants of health are crucial for effectively treating this disease. As a future physician and public health practitioner, I must understand these challenges and make ethical and equitable choices that reflect the needs of the population. I can do this now by researching different populations to better understand the struggles they face.

One of the strengths of the event was that it lasted all day, giving people the opportunity to stop by when their schedules allowed. Another strength was that since it was hosted by Morehouse School of Medicine, students could network with the medical school faculty. The event, however, was not well-advertised, which became a weakness as few people showed up. I would have improved the experience by increasing engagement with schools at and around the AUC, so more people could share their stories about sickle cell. This event is also connected with some of the blood drives I have done with the Red Cross Foundation. They also had an event at Spelman where I learned what sickle cell was and how it affects different people, even hearing from one of their liaisons wth the disease. A pattern I identified was the lack of respect that sickle cell patients receive. Sometimes, their pain or concerns are not taken seriously and seen as "lazy" or "dramatic", which is very disheartening. At the end of the presentation, Dr. Kittles displayed a picture of children around the world, with the caption, “This is what it’s all about.” That caption moved me because what we do in the present affects future generations. I will build on this experience by championing health equity and access.


Adia Lowther