Adrina Patterson is becoming the change she wants to see in the world

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Adrina PattersonImage Credit: Aaron Howard
CLEMSON – At just 19 years old, Adrina Patterson has big goals in mind, and she’s already on her way to achieving them.
The sophomore Language and International Health major plans to attend medical school and specialize in dermatology. She believes her major has given her a holistic view of the healthcare industry by providing a cultural understanding and language proficiency that allow her to see the bigger picture, along with the necessary science courses for medical school.
“I never had an African-American doctor. My primary physicians, dermatologists and dentists have all always been Caucasian,” she said. “I thought to myself, ‘Why does it matter if they are white or black?’ Well, it does matter, because representation matters.”
According to the Journal of the National Medical Association, less than five percent of U.S. physicians are African-American, and only two percent are African-American women. Patterson hopes she will be able to help bridge that gap and provide care for other girls who may be seeking a physician they can relate to.
“I not only want to be a part of that two percent, but I want that number to grow and to flourish,” said Patterson. “I want for a patient to walk into the examination room and feel comfortable.”
Patterson believes she and other physicians of color can provide that sense of comfort to patients in the U.S. and around the world. Her study of Spanish and community development has inspired her to think globally and consider working in communities in South and Central America, as well as the Caribbean.
She hopes that by interacting with under-served populations and especially children she will be able to serve as an example and motivate future generations to study medicine. She says she has experienced this inspiration firsthand when connecting with her current role models.
“Whenever I come ...

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