‘A joy to talk about my story’

Two Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine student interest groups collaborated on one important mission: give people an opportunity to gain insight into what it’s like to live with AIDS..

On Dec. 2, the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) and the Harm Reduction Alliance (HRA) hosted five panelists who spoke about their experiences of living with HIV, including the misinformation, stigma, and challenges they faced and continue to face for students.

The event was held in conjunction with World AIDS Day, an annual event intended to serve as a day of solidarity for people around the world who are affected by HIV.

“It’s a joy to talk about my story,” said LaDawn Tate, one of the panelists. “I just want the providers to be the best that they can, and if they don’t get this opportunity to hear actual testimonials from clients, how would they really learn?”

An opportunity to learn

Panelists shared their stories about how they acquired the virus, how they were diagnosed, and what that process was like.

Then, the floor was opened to questions.

One attendee asked the panelists what they wish their doctors had done differently.

Tate explained that she felt her interactions with her doctor were a “missed opportunity” based on her demographic information, and that she did not get tested as quickly as she could have.

“I’m not a person who has multiple sex partners, I’m not a person who had a past of STIs,” said Tate.

“You can understand how the missed opportunity came about, and why she felt as if she didn’t need to ask, ‘Would you also like an HIV test?’”

Jay, another panelist, said that he would have liked to receive more respect from the various medical professionals he had seen.

“One thing about me is…[I] stand up for what is right,” he said. “You’re going to give me my dignity, and you’re going to give me my respect, regardless of if you understand me or not.”

Another attendee asked the panelists how they wish the education and discussion around HIV changed.

Tate said she hopes that the conversation expands to include more than members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Similarly, one of the other unidentified panelists said he hopes that the messaging of HIV-related treatments and preventative measures becomes more inclusive, as anyone can acquire HIV.

“Just because it’s a less likely chance doesn’t mean it’s a zero chance,” he said.

A two-way conversation

After the students had the opportunity to ask the panelists questions and hear their stories, Tate posed an important question to the students: As providers, how would they have approached any of the panelists and their stories?

Some answered that they would have started by building a relationship with their patient; seeing where their patient’s goals lied; learning about their patient’s expectations; and being aware of what biases they may have when they treat individuals and trying to eliminate them.

Madison Saunders, M2, treasurer, AMSA, said she felt the event was an important opportunity to avoid getting “outdated and stigmatized” information. The subject came to her attention during her summer internship at a clinic where she interacted with patients who had acquired HIV.

“The way it was described in lectures is just totally different from how it actually is impacting people's lives now,” she said.

Saunders said she thinks the panel was important because it allowed future physicians to understand the significance of knowing people’s stories.

“People's stories are always so important because stories are how physicians connect with their patients,” said Saunders.

“It’s moments like these that make us not only [become] more excited about graduating and becoming physicians, but also just excited to change the stigma and be the future.”

Tate expressed a similar sentiment.

“We have different walks of life here. Even though we all live with it, we all have different stories,” said Tate. “I want you all to know that stigma, language, compassion— all that plays a part in being a good doctor.”