Wednesday, May 13

7 PM ET/ 6 PM CT/ 5 PM MT/ 4 PM PT

Join us for a casual, interactive fireside chat exploring new research from UAB and MSU highlighting the diagnostic and psychosocial experiences of people living with dermatomyositis, including important disparities reported by patients of color.  This session will highlight key findings from a recent survey-based study, with discussion led by medical students involved in the research alongside a physician providing clinical insight. Dr. Lauren Graham, Dr. Mallory Von Lotten, and Kyanna Williams,

Dr. Lauren Graham received her MD and PhD at University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She completed her dermatology training at Northwestern University in Chicago.  She now serves as Vice-Chair for Clinical Affairs in Dermatology at UAB where she also directs the Skin Autoimmune Blistering Disease Clinic and Co-Directs the Rheumatology-Dermatology Combined Clinic.  Her clinical interests are in autoimmune skin disease.

Mallory Von Lotten is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Heersink School of Medicine, where she also earned her Master of Science in Biomedical and Health Sciences. She will begin her preliminary internal medicine year at Baptist Health Birmingham, with plans to pursue a career in dermatology. Mallory is deeply committed to advancing health equity, with a particular focus on skin of color and improving representation in dermatologic education and clinical research. Her work spans multiple peer-reviewed publications and national presentations, including projects on acne treatment disparities, clinical trial participation, and dermatologic conditions in underrepresented populations. She is passionate about community engagement and has led initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and trust in clinical research among minority communities.

yanna W. Johnson, MPH, is a medical student with a background in public health and a passion for health equity. Her work focuses on improving care for underserved populations through research, education, and advocacy. As someone living with myositis, Kyanna brings a unique perspective that bridges clinical knowledge and lived experience, helping to highlight the challenges patients face and the importance of patient-centered, inclusive care.