Saleea Cornelius

At birth, I was diagnosed with a condition called Sickle Cell Anemia. Sickle Cell Anemia is a blood that causes my blood cells to be shaped like a “sickle” (famer’s tool). This condition causes episodes of severe pain, complications with blood circulation, and constant monitoring by my health care providers. My care includes monthly blood infusions, routine medical examinations, and periodic in-patient care. Additionally, As a child, I was teased, questioned and troubled by my peers for this condition, which affected me negatively at times. Later in life, I learned a valuable lesson about what I choose to affect me. These circumstances, however, never deterred my love for the medical field nor my desire to help others. Instead, this strengthened my determination to pursue a career in medicine and to help others like me. Being around other providers, such as doctors, nurses, medical assistants and others, I was more inspired to become a medical provider.