By Rachel Krevh, M3, rkrevh@neomed.edu
Since I was 16 years old, dermatology has been my passion. As I continue in my educational career at NEOMED, this passion has only grown.
My dermatologist was the first physician who sat down and listened to my concerns, gave me multiple treatment options, and routinely followed up on my skin and personal well-being. This physician-patient relationship encouraged me to apply to medical school so I can treat and support my patients in the same way.
Throughout the past few years, I have been a part of several dermatology groups and research collaborations to learn more about dermatology. After becoming involved in research, I realized I would not only like to build rapport with my future patients while treating their acute and chronic conditions, but I also would like to be a part of the scientific community that aims to discover why these diseases occur and how we can tailor specific treatments to each patient.
To combine my love of dermatology and research, I recently began my dermatology research year at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit. This year I will be studying the pathogenesis of psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa. Alongside my research projects, I have also become involved in organizations that support people affected by these conditions – such as the National Psoriasis Foundation. This foundation aims to provide educational resources to patients, build support groups, and raise money for research efforts toward psoriasis.
One event that the NPF hosts is “Pstamp Out Psoriasis,” which is a bingo and dinner event that raises money for psoriasis research. As a volunteer with NPF, I am helping organize the Pstamp Out Psoriasis event in Cleveland this year.
I look forward to this event and meeting more patients affected by psoriasis. I find it important to continually engage with patients and their stories, which allows them to feel heard. I am also looking forward to this year of research and what new knowledge becomes known about these chronic dermatologic conditions.
I would like to thank NEOMED and Henry Ford Health Systems for the opportunities presented to me, to allow me to pursue my passions and prepare for my future dermatology career.