Introduction

Community health is one of my passions and the Tinuoye Simeon Foundation, TSF, will be resource to various communities and organizations. While pursuing medical school, I’m also working on projects that build and strengthen communities. At the moment, our projects are serving communities in New York and Nigeria. Especially populations that are underserved and overburdened with chronic conditions. Through strategic outreach and community work we can decrease health and socioeconomic disparities in the communities that we serve. Emphasis on we because this work cannot be done in silo. Research has demonstrated that we cannot address health without addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) as well. As a future physician, with humility and compassion, I hope to be a catalyst for healing and change. There are policies and systems in place that require reform in order for communities, patients and individuals to live their best lives. Both of my parents are immigrants and their stories continue to unfold. They came to America with gigantic dreams and hopes. Those hopes and dreams are now embedded in myself and my siblings. In all that I do, I hope to honor their hard work and struggles. It is disheartening to hear the slurs and racial epithets that are constantly and casually hurled at both minorities and immigrants. The current status of our nation is detrimental to any community. The health of the overall community affects each individual within it. We have to invite and bring racial conversations to the table whenever possible. Let’s get comfortable with discussing race and how it impacts the health of our communities and everyday lives. I’m apart of the change that has arrived at America’s doorstep. While inspiring myself to bring my best and most authentic self forward, I hope my work motivates others to humbly do the same.