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Janya Sims, a third-year medical student at Morehouse School of Medicine, has faced more challenges than most her age. Diagnosed with Lupus at 12, she quickly learned the meaning of resilience as she navigated a life-altering condition. Her early symptoms, including fatigue and joint pain, led to a diagnosis that forever changed her family's life. Reflecting on this time, Janya recalls, "It was a scary and uncertain period, but it also ignited a fire in me to understand my condition and help others in similar situations."

Growing up, Janya was deeply inspired by the compassionate care she received from her Pediatric Rheumatologists. "My doctors were incredible—they not only treated my Lupus but also empowered me to take control of my health," she shares. These experiences planted in her the seeds of a lifelong passion for medicine, particularly the desire to provide the same level of care to others, especially in underserved communities. "Seeing the healthcare disparities in rural areas like mine made me want to be the doctor who could help bridge that gap," she adds.

Balancing the rigors of medical school with the demands of managing Lupus has not been easy. Janya’s experience with the disease has given her a unique perspective, allowing her to empathize deeply with her patients. "Living with Lupus has taught me so much about resilience and understanding my patients' struggles on a personal level," she says. She approaches her studies with the same determination that helped her manage her condition, using stress management techniques like mindfulness and meditation to keep her health in check while excelling academically.

Janya’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience. Her mentor, Dr. Bradley, often refers to her as a "thriver," a term Janya fully embraces. "To me, thriving means more than just surviving my illness—it means growing through adversity and remaining committed to my goals despite the challenges," Janya explains. Her personal experience with Lupus has shaped her into a compassionate future physician, dedicated to helping others overcome their own health battles.

Beyond her own education, Janya is passionate about raising awareness of Lupus and advocating for better healthcare access in underserved communities. "I want to use my platform to educate others about Lupus and to push for more resources in communities that need them most," she says. Her story is one of turning personal challenges into a driving force for positive change, both in her life and in the lives of others she hopes to impact as a future physician.

As Janya continues her journey at Morehouse School of Medicine, she remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that with resilience and determination, anything is possible. "I’m just getting started," she says with a smile. "There’s so much more I want to do."