Dominique Earland is a student in the University of Minnesota’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD).

Originally from just outside Philadelphia, Earland is pursuing a PhD in Epidemiology and Community Health, specializing in infectious disease and health equity research at the School of Public Health, as well as a Doctor of Medicine (MD) through the Medical School.

While at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis, she’s pursued a passion she’s had since a young age: making sure that the principles of human rights have a home in medicine and research.

Here, in her own words, she talks about her long journey toward making a difference in healthcare.