Tag: advocacy

Melissa Huddleston, MD Melissa Huddleston, MD (3 Posts)

Contributing Writer

University of Florida

Melissa went to medical school at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso. She is currently a PGY-1 at the University of Florida Pediatrics Residency Program. She is not quite sure where she will end up after residency but has thought a lot about pursuing fellowship training in infectious disease. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys going to local parks and farmer’s markets with her husband and baby. She also enjoys reading sci-fi, writing letters to her awesome pen pal (her 8-year-old nephew), and Facetiming friends and family.




A Tale of Two Worlds

Published by Melissa Huddleston, MD

It was the most joyful of times. It was the most horrific of times. A week before my first child was born, an act of terror occurred on the other side of the world. And ever since that terrible day, violence has steadily escalated. My family has grown, while others are decimated. I celebrate with my son, as he grows and showers us with smiles; others search for their children amongst the rubble piles. I hope and pray for my child to sleep through the night; others beg for their …

Contemplating Death with New Life

Published by Melissa Huddleston, MD

Very early in the morning on Wednesday, October 18th, 2023, I stumbled into the emergency department with my hair in a tangled mess and accidentally still wearing my house shoes. It was my older brother’s birthday, but I wouldn’t end up having time to send him a happy birthday message. It was my baby boy’s third day of life, but I wasn’t going to be able to hold him in my arms that day. Instead, …

Our Acts of Freedom: A Physician-Advocate’s Perspective

Published by Melissa Palma, MD, MPH

On the morning of January 6, I awoke ecstatic to the news of Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff’s predicted wins in the Georgia run-off elections. To be frank, I have become hesitant to hope while inured by the near-daily attacks on civil rights by the Trump administration via executive orders and federal policies. Over the past four years, I witnessed with pride — but also fear — as community activists tirelessly organized to combat racist policies.

Physician, Activist — Does One Preclude the Other?

Published by Shalini Shah, DO

When do you leap into the unknown and venture into the uncomfortable? Is it after methodical deliberation or is it much more abrupt, emboldened by a critical decision? Perhaps it is a deep drive within you, one that propels you forward in a way in which you cannot look back.

Amanda Pannu, MD Amanda Pannu, MD (1 Posts)

Resident Physician Contributing Writer

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

Dr. Amanda Pannu is a PGY-4 Chief Resident at the University of Rochester Family Medicine Residency Program. For the past 2 years, she has served as the Resident Representative on the ACGME Review Committee of Family Medicine. She is passionate about education and resident wellbeing. She will be joining The Ohio State University as a core faculty member this summer.