Jess Bulafka
she/they
I am non-binary queer and I am a medical student.//
Hello! I’m Jess and I’m a queer, non-binary medical student. After getting a BSc in Biology I worked as a research coordinator in a Clinical Genetics lab. Originally I wanted to pursue the molecular biology route of genetics, but most of the studies I ended up working on were actually psychobehavioral assessments of the impact genetic testing has on patients and their families. I enjoyed spending time with patients and hearing their stories, and that steered me toward medicine.
As I entered medical school I began to explore this concept of iatrogenic emotional trauma within the experiences of queer people navigating healthcare. I’m currently working on a questionnaire-based study to better address the urological and sexual health needs of transfeminine people. If you or someone you know is interested in contributing, please DM me or visit “bit.ly/jeffersontransgender” through Fall 2021 🙂
Embracing my queerness is the biggest kindness I’ve ever given myself, and being visible is a way I can pass that kindness onto others. This year I began including my pronouns in school emails and virtual classes. I was self-conscious at first, but then I saw more and more of my classmates adding their pronouns and it felt great.