Passion is a key attribute of the best volunteers. Brianna Spiegel, a third-year medical student at Boston University’s Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, brings plenty of passion to her volunteer work at IMPACT Melanoma who work closely with the Dermatology Interest Group Association (DIGA).
When asked about Brianna, “I’ve had the privilege of watching Brianna lead with both passion and purpose—advancing legislation, implementing shade policies, and championing UV prevention education to protect entire communities. Her commitment to prevention and patient advocacy already reflects the physician she is becoming, and Brianna will be a wonderful dermatologist, said Deb Girard, Executive Director of IMPACT Melanoma.
Background
DIGA is a national organization with chapters throughout the country that attract many undergraduate and medical school students who are interested in and hope to pursue dermatology as their medical specialty. Dermatology is one of the most competitive medical specialties in our country.
To execute on IMPACT Melanoma’s mission, DIGA students have become an integral and essential group of volunteers who advocate for skin health, who introduce IMPACT Melanoma programs to communities and organizations nationally, and who deliver and train some of our biggest advocates across the country on our Skinny on Skin program, a first line of defense for early detection.
We caught up with Brianna to ask her about her incredible work with IMPACT Melanoma.
What made you get involved with IMPACT Melanoma?
I learned about IMPACT Melanoma early in my first year of medical school through Boston University’s DIGA chapter. I was excited about all they have to offer; especially their mission to make sunscreen and sun protective clothing more accessible. They reach across all age groups: babies, kids, adults, and outdoor workers. I wanted to figure out how to bring their programs to my community.
Do you have a personal connection or experience with skin cancer or melanoma that inspired your action?
When I was an undergrad I was a medical scribe in dermatology. I was very moved by the stories of the patients. I also have some family members who have had non-melanoma skin cancers.
I’m also very excited about the upcoming film, Conquering Skin Cancer USA, which IMPACT Melanoma contributed to; I am hoping to be able to bring it to my school.
Tell us about some of the activities you’ve done with IMPACT Melanoma?
I’ve run tables at local events such as skin screenings and health fairs and even one for new moms and moms-to-be. I’ve participated in a Special Olympics event getting the sun safety message out with our special UV bracelets and Frisbees and I’ve been at the summer opening of the Frog Pond in Boston, offering portable shade to people and educating them about the value of shade for sun safety.
I also was part of Dermatology Training Advocacy Day at the Massachusetts Statehouse. Partnered with IMPACT Melanoma, we worked to make a change in Massachusetts law to allow children to bring sunscreen to school or summer camp without requiring a note from a doctor—a change in the law that will encourage more use of sunscreen across the Commonwealth.
Outside IMPACT Melanoma I’ve also participated in community events including skin screenings for firefighters, and screenings offered at a hockey tournament for first responders, as well as helping out at Boston Healthcare for the Homeless.
What did you learn from these experiences?
I’ve learned that although talking about skin cancer can seem scary, we can make the message about practicing skin safety positive, fun, and not-so-scary. Reaching out to our communities with beach balls, sunscreen, and UV bracelets to spread the message and making sunscreen and shade accessible to everyone raises awareness and can save lives.
I’ve also learned that we need to acknowledge where survivors are in their journey and meet them there. When I watched the preview of the film Conquering Skin Cancer USA, it was moving to hear people tell their stories on film and then to realize some of those survivors were in the audience. As survivors show their courage, it empowers others.
What do you want other people to learn or know when they hear about IMPACT Melanoma or skin cancer/melanoma in general?
I want people to take sun safety seriously. But I also want them to know that they can make it their own. Find what works for you and make it a part of your daily life. It is as important as a healthy diet, exercise, sleep, and brushing your teeth. It’s another daily regimen; finding the sun safety products and methods you prefer will help you to stick to it.
Ready to volunteer your time and talents to IMPACT Melanoma?
If you are currently a member of a DIGA chapter, learn more about the opportunities with IMPACT Melanoma here, including taking action to join us!
For general volunteering opportunities, learn more here and complete the initial brief Volunteer form to get started.
