Daria reflects on how her experience with AYA Fertility Preservation will impact her medical training going forward:

“This project was one of my first deep dives into clinical research, and I found it to be truly a rewarding learning experience. Working with patients, specifically those in the AYA population, was both eye-opening and humbling as I had the privilege of hearing many different stories during our interviews. I was constantly struck by the strength and maturity of the patients I spoke with and learned a lot from our lengthy conversations about their very personal experiences; these moments prompted reflection on how I can be a better listener and ask insightful questions as I continue to work with patients as a medical student and future physician. This study revealed to me the underserved needs of the AYA population as well as how variable experiences can be regarding fertility preservation conversations and/or treatment. This realization motivated me throughout the study, as I could tangibly see the value of the research and the gaps we were trying to address. Finally, I appreciated working on an interdisciplinary research team – the partnership between the School of Social Work and Michigan Medicine showed me how valuable it is to have different perspectives and thinking minds collaborate in AYA research. Through a diversity of thought, we can better strive towards research that considers the holistic patient experience.” - Daria Stelmak