By Jenna Radke
In January of 2022, my life took an unexpected turn. Just one month after graduating from my undergraduate university and embarking on the journey to apply to medical school, I began developing symptoms of dermatomyositis. At the time, I had no idea how this rare and unpredictable disease would affect my life or disrupt my carefully laid plans. I ended up delaying my medical school journey by a year, a decision that felt monumental. But through determination and a lot of hard work, I am now a part of West Virginia University School of Medicine—a milestone that represents not just my ambition, but my resilience.
When I shared the news of my acceptance, my family lightheartedly joked that I’d someday become the doctor to cure myositis. While their optimism was touching, my initial reaction was less enthusiastic: “How miserable would that be?” You see, dermatomyositis affects so many aspects of my life—how I move, what social activities I can enjoy, and even how I allocate my time. The idea of spending my career immersed in the same world of rheumatology, neurology, dermatology, or pulmonology that I navigate as a patient felt suffocating.
Living with dermatomyositis is undeniably challenging. It’s a condition that demands attention and alters the rhythm of my life. Yet, it does not define me, and I will never allow it to. Yes, it has shaped my journey, but it has not changed who I am at my core. I am so much more than this diagnosis, and I refuse to let it eclipse the many joys and passions that make life meaningful to me.
I find happiness in my friends, family, the serenity of nature walks, the escape of a good book, and countless other experiences that remind me of the beauty of life beyond illness. These are the things that sustain me, the parts of my life that dermatomyositis can never touch.
Despite the challenges I’ve faced, my passion for medicine remains as strong as ever. I am deeply excited about the endless possibilities within the field—the diverse specialties I can pursue, the innovative advancements I can contribute to, and the opportunity to help patients navigate their own health journeys. While my experiences as a patient have given me a unique perspective, I am eager to forge a path that allows me to empathize with others without being tethered to my own story. Medicine offers a vast world of discovery and connection, and I can’t wait to find my place within it.
Dermatomyositis is a big part of my life—it has reshaped my plans, tested my resolve, and taught me lessons in strength and adaptability. But it will never become my whole life. My story is not one of limitation but of balance, perseverance, and the unwavering belief that I can live fully, with joy and purpose, despite the challenges.
This journey is mine, and while dermatomyositis has a place in it, it will never own the narrative.