Smith has worked to ensure that HIV clinical trials enroll more women and people of color, as chair of the Underrepresented Populations Committee of the AIDS Clinical Trials Group, and that more people of color get into and stay in HIV medicine by helping to establish the HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA)'s Minority Clinical Fellowship Program. Her accomplishments have won her many honors, to be sure -- but only a direct colleague can speak to the ways her commitment translates to her patients. As Bethsheba Johnson, G.N.P.-B.C., A.A.H.I.V.S., who worked directly under Smith's supervision during her pre-doctoral work at Rush University Medical Center, remembers: "She exemplified HIV knowledge and an abundance of compassion with healthy doses of empathy. She hugged patients who needed a hug, dried tears and gave encouragement as well as a 'come to Jesus' talk when necessary for the most stubborn patients. ... Her passion for her work is truly evident in addressing the work that still needs to be done in HIV/AIDS not only for African Americans and women, but for everyone."
Comment by: nelson
(south africa)
Tue., May. 28, 2013 at 3:15 am EDT
thank u very much michelle after reading your profile i was uplifted im now sure about how we should handle life after one is diagnose with hiv thanks.
Comment by: Theresa
(Cincinnati)
Tue., Aug. 7, 2012 at 1:11 pm EDT
I have ask myself for 15 years now, where are all the white hiv/aids advocates, mother's daughter's and grandmother's just like me living with hiv. yet to meet or run into at one of many of my 15 years of dr visits a white women just like me?
Comment by: TOM ONSONGO
(NAIROBI KENYA)
Wed., Jul. 4, 2012 at 3:01 am EDT
Am a man living with HIV for over 20 years that is when I knew my status. I suffered serious self stigma untill I went through treatment literacy. This changed my life for ever. Today I am a programme director of an NGO fighting HIV in kenya. Correct and accurate informatio on HIV/AIDS is key in fightin this disease.
Comment by: Shanasha Whitson
(Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Wed., Apr. 18, 2012 at 3:24 pm EDT
There are 5, 344.861 people in MN, 5.2 % are black but we make up 33% of people infected in Minnesota. As a medical case manager at The Minneapolis Urban League I offer case management for people of color who are positive. We ofer an array of service that keep people in care and get people connected to services. We have got to take back our power and ensure our communities health and wellness.
Comment by: Darriane Martin
(Dallas, TX)
Tue., Apr. 17, 2012 at 4:52 pm EDT
Michelle, I am so proud of you and happy that you are my colleague in this fight. Keep you the great work!!!
Comment by: Teresa Sullivan
(Philadelphia)
Mon., Apr. 9, 2012 at 9:34 am EDT
Congrats Brook Kelly, you deserve to be honored and the PWN is grateful to have you as a ally for women living with HIV/AIDS. Your ROCK!
You are a beacon of hope during a time when our own governments would turn this health crisis into a crime and the stricken individuals into criminals.
I wish great success and happiness.
Comment by: Robin Brennan, DrPH
(Philadelphia, Pa)
Tue., Apr. 3, 2012 at 4:02 pm EDT
Michael Everett is an empowering leader and human rights advocate who is truly making a difference. His dedication and compassion are inspiring.
Comment by: Gigi Green
(Nemacolin PA)
Tue., Apr. 3, 2012 at 12:37 pm EDT
Angela Green is my sister. She is a very special person who makes a difference in many lives. I am so glad that she is being recognized for the wonderful woman that she is.
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