Advocating for Sexual Health with Sara Ponce, Medical Student

Join Dr. Moss in this compelling episode of 'Life as a Patient Doctor' as she interviews Sarah Ponce, a queer Chicana third-year medical student at USC. Sarah shares her inspiring journey into medicine, fueled by a personal history of pelvic and vulvovaginal pain, and her unrelenting passion for advocating for marginalized communities. Discover how her advocacy efforts have led to the creation of Sexual Medicine Awareness Week and the Pelvic Wellness Collaborative at Keck School of Medicine. Sarah also opens up about her struggles with mental health and the importance of diversity and inclusivity in healthcare. Watch now to learn how she's revolutionizing sexual medicine research and practice. Connect with Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahponcemed/ Sexual Health resources: https://medpsycmoss.com/resources Visit website at https://medpsycmoss.com for transcripts, blog posts, and resources for medical students, health care professionals, and patients Let’s Connect: @medpsycmoss Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medpsycmoss/ Twitter/X: ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/medpsymoss⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@medpsycmoss?_t=8kS9kVfKjUc&_r=1 Listen to Podcast “Life as a Patient-Doctor: Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUfheMZYKjA8xJN3_tzjvvCWGn8HKh_Rt&si=erIIirgQyAsEkBR4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/685WDhQHXulbCmh2siIOp3 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-as-a-patient-doctor/id1719637283 Email: [email protected] Editors: Dr. Moss, Tamryn Hall, MS4 ***This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All opinions voiced are the opinions of the speakers and not reflective of any institution. Please follow up with your health provider and therapist for any additional questions or support.***  Chapters: 0:00 Sarah, M3, Vulvudynia 01:04 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:52 Sarah's Background and Journey into Medicine 03:32 Discovering a Passion for Sexual Health Advocacy 05:12 Building a Community and Advocacy Work 06:32 Sexual Medicine Awareness Week 10:50 Personal Disclosure 12:50 #Finding Your Voice 14:05 Sexual Medicine & Urology 16:30 Mental Health Challenges in Medical School 19:34 Somatic Impact 20:18 The Importance of Diversity in Healthcare 20:54 LGBT & Sexual Health 24:24 Advice for Medical Students with Health Conditions 26:11 Review Episode 28:59 Concluding Thoughts #mentalhealth #doctor #medicine