Access to affordable healthcare is a pressing issue in my low-income community. Too often, people avoid seeking medical attention due to the high costs associated with doctor visits, treatments, and medications. This lack of access to necessary healthcare services leads to undiagnosed illnesses, worsening health conditions, and preventable medical emergencies. Many families are forced to choose between paying for basic necessities and seeking medical care, creating a cycle of poor health and financial instability. Recognizing this issue within my community has fueled my passion for joining the medical field and aiming to look at the issues present.

After high school, I plan to study medicine. I was inspired to go into the medical field after seeing the barriers my family went through each day in my community just to get the medical services they deserve. I intend to major in pre-medicine and use my studies to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges that underserved populations face and develop strategies to address these issues effectively. 

One way I plan to make a difference is by engaging in any volunteer work I can and service projects during my college years. Many universities offer programs that allow students to assist in free or low-cost clinics that provide essential medical services to underserved communities. I will take advantage of these opportunities to gain hands-on experience while directly helping those who lack healthcare access such as those in my own community. By participating in such initiatives, I will not only help my medical skills but also develop a strong understanding of patient needs and the gaps in our current healthcare system. I am currently a part of the Vibrant Health internship wich has been able to notice the disparities of healthcare offices in my community and has a goal to fix this problem.

In addition to volunteering and internships, I want to seek out scholarship programs and funding opportunities to support healthcare initiatives in my community. Some nonprofit organizations and government programs provide grants to improve healthcare accessibility in low-income areas. By researching and applying for these resources I hope to establish programs that offer free screenings, health education, and financial assistance for medical care. These efforts will help bridge the gap between healthcare providers and individuals who cannot afford essential services.

Beyond my undergraduate studies, I aim to attend medical school and specialize in a field that will allow me to work directly with underserved populations. By focusing on education, awareness, and affordable healthcare solutions, I can help individuals make informed decisions about their well-being and reduce the burden of medical expenses on families. This is a topic I am very passionate about because seeing it firsthand in my family has made me realize the gravity of low-income individuals stressing between medical expenses and everyday necessities. 

My long-term goal is to work in or support clinics that provide low-cost or free healthcare services to those in need. Through partnerships with hospitals, medical professionals, and charitable organizations, I hope to create a network of accessible healthcare facilities that serve low-income communities. These clinics would offer essential services such as vaccinations, and routine check-ups without placing a financial strain on patients and allowing them to take weight off their shoulders when it comes to choosing what expenses to pay.

The lack of affordable healthcare is a significant problem that affects many individuals in my community. By studying medicine and actively participating in volunteer work and advocacy, I will try to make healthcare more accessible to those who need it most. Through my future education and career, I will work towards reducing healthcare disparities and aim for financial barriers not to prevent anyone from receiving the medical attention they deserve. My commitment to this cause will drive my efforts to bring meaningful and lasting change to my community.