Navigating Challenges and Inspiring Advocacy: A Pre-Med Student's Journey With HS

Dena Antowan, a pre-med student at the University of Texas at Austin, balances the rigors of academic life with the challenges of managing hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Driven by her experiences, Antowan is committed to becoming a physician who not only treats skin conditions but also understands their profound emotional and physical impact.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Antowan has made a name for herself as an advocate on TikTok, where she raises awareness about chronic skin conditions and the social issues surrounding education. Her candid discussions aim to challenge stigma, foster community connections, and inspire fellow students and others living with HS. This passion for advocacy and public health recently earned her recognition as a recipient of the AbbVie Immunology Scholarship.

In an interview with Dermatology Times, Antowan shares her journey, her use of social media as a tool for change, and her vision for empathetic, patient-centered dermatologic care.

Personal Journey with HS

Antowan reflected on her challenging yet transformative journey living with HS, which she has managed since middle school. Diagnosed after years of symptoms, her experiences with treatments like antibiotics, Accutane, and laser therapies have deeply influenced her decision to pursue a career in medicine. As a public health senior at the University of Texas at Austin on the pre-med track, she aspires to specialize in dermatology, driven by her lived experiences and the desire to support others with similar conditions. Witnessing her younger sister begin to show signs of HS reinforced her commitment to understanding and advocating for patients dealing with chronic illnesses, especially the mental and emotional toll these conditions have on patients.

Advocacy Through Education and Social Media

Antowan’s diagnosis came relatively late, despite years of symptoms labeled as “genetic acne.” This delayed recognition fueled her advocacy efforts to raise awareness about HS. She highlighted the significant knowledge gaps among medical providers and patients, noting that HS often receives minimal attention in medical curricula. Through social media, she aims to normalize the condition, challenge misconceptions about hygiene, and provide a supportive community for those with HS. Her advocacy emphasizes the importance of understanding HS as a common and manageable medical condition and stresses the value of educating both health care providers and patients to foster empathy and informed care.

Empowerment Through the AbbVie Immunology Scholarship

Receiving the AbbVie Immunology Scholarship marked a pivotal moment in Antowan’s journey. Initially hesitant about her eligibility, she was inspired by past recipients’ advocacy work and joined an organization supporting HS patients. The scholarship provided financial relief, enabling her to focus on academics and advocacy without the burden of tuition. It also facilitated opportunities like unpaid internships, broadening her horizons as she prepares for medical school. Antowan credited the scholarship with not only supporting her education but also inspiring her to encourage others with inflammatory diseases to find strength and purpose in their diagnoses.

Recommendations for Supporting Students and Improving Dermatologic Care

Antowan underscored the need for universities and health care providers to create supportive environments for students managing chronic illnesses. She advocated for open communication channels, empathetic teaching, and accommodations for students navigating the dual challenges of academics and health conditions. From a future physician’s perspective, she called for greater emphasis on empathy in health care, especially in dermatology. Providers must recognize the emotional impact of their words and invest time in explaining diagnoses and treatment options, she said. Antowan also stressed the importance of comprehensive medical education that includes HS and other common but under-recognized conditions, equipping providers to offer better care and patient understanding.

Closing Message to Clinicians, Students, and Patients

Antowan encourages individuals with chronic conditions to persevere and view their challenges as opportunities for growth. She emphasized that HS and similar diseases, while daunting, do not have to be limiting. To clinicians, she reiterated the importance of empathy and patient-centered communication, advocating for a more informed and understanding approach to care.