Debra-Jul Akanmu

As I stepped into the sterile, cold operating room, the sounds of drilling, sawing, and forceful tugging unexpectedly filled my ears. The lead surgeon was performing a transmetatarsal amputation. “This patient suffered from frostbite that progressed to necrosis and then sepsis,” the doctor explained. Although the surgery was lifesaving, I could not help but think about how it might have been prevented.

If the frostbite had been treated earlier, the patient may never have reached this point. Unfortunately, without the education, resources, or access to care needed to seek treatment, a condition that was once manageable progressed into a life-threatening emergency. This surgery was part of my internship at a county safety-net hospital, where I encountered many patients who were unhoused, uninsured, or facing other barriers to healthcare. Experiences like this opened my eyes to the realities of health disparities and showed me that healthcare is about making sure people have the knowledge, resources, and opportunity to prevent illness in the first place rather than simply treating individuals when they get sick.

That experience became a turning point in my passion for healthcare. I want to serve underserved communities and help address the barriers that contribute to health inequities. I am especially passionate about preventative care and health education because I believe that where someone lives, what resources they have, or whether they can afford care should not determine their ability to live a healthy life. I hope to become a healthcare professional who not only treats patients, but also advocates for the communities and circumstances that shape their health.

At the center of this passion is my Christian faith. Following Christ's example of servant leadership has taught me that serving others is a responsibility I am called to embrace. I want to care for others, especially those who are too often overlooked, and be a source of compassion, advocacy, and hope in my community.

At UT Austin, I am excited to turn this passion into action. I hope to learn from my community, serve alongside others, and pursue opportunities that allow me to address health disparities and create meaningful change. I truly believe that what starts here can change the world, and I am excited to discover how I can play a part in that change.