In the fortieth episode of Vitals and Voices, we sit down with Paige, a fourth-year medical student at Rush Medical College in Chicago who recently applied to dermatology residency and will be graduating this May. As she prepares to take the next step in her medical career, Paige reflects on the experiences that shaped her path into medicine and her growing passion for dermatology.

Paige’s journey began in high school with a deeply personal conversation. Her mother shared the story of losing Paige’s older brother to myocarditis at just four years old—a loss that had always been part of her family’s history, but one she hadn’t fully understood until then. Hearing her mother speak about that grief sparked Paige’s desire to ease the pain of families facing devastating diagnoses and led her to explore medicine as a way to combine her love of science with meaningful service. Learning more about myocarditis and how some fatal cases could have been prevented only deepened her curiosity and commitment to healthcare.

As a first-generation college and medical student from Cape May, New Jersey—a small beach town where pursuing medicine was uncommon—Paige often navigated her educational journey without many early role models in healthcare. That background continues to motivate her, especially during challenging moments. The mentors she found in medical school have played a crucial role in her growth, inspiring her to become a mentor herself and a role model for future students who may not see many people like them in medicine.

Paige chose dermatology for its ability to care for patients across the lifespan, build continuity, and significantly impact quality of life and self-confidence. She is especially passionate about women’s health in dermatology, particularly caring for patients with vulvar skin conditions and supporting pregnant and breastfeeding patients with chronic dermatologic disease. She speaks openly about how these patients are often overlooked or undertreated due to discomfort, uncertainty, or caution around medication safety—and why creating more supportive, specialized care is so important.

One accomplishment Paige is especially proud of is authoring a textbook chapter on the safety of dermatologic medications during pregnancy and lactation for Comprehensive Dermatologic Drug Therapy, which will be published later this year. Working independently on a text widely used by dermatologists allowed her to deeply immerse herself in this topic and contribute guidance that may shape clinical decisions and improve care for women.

Paige’s story highlights the power of personal loss, mentorship, and advocacy—and how those experiences can shape a future physician dedicated to compassionate, informed, and patient-centered care.