
DC DermTAG Team
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Yassaman Erfani
Role: Event Chair
Degree Candidacy: MD
Previous Degree: Physiology & Biophysics, MS; Psychobiology, BS
Current Professional School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
Year of Graduation: 2026
Bio: When I started medical school, I wanted to find a way to bridge my two biggest passions
within medicine—dermatology and advocacy for policies that would improve quality of care and
healthcare disparities for patients. This year we have the opportunity to bring such an initiative to
Washington, DC, the nation’s capital, and learn and share ways to become involved in
dermatology advocacy at a broader level alongside fellow trainees to bring into our careers as
physicians.
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Brianna Watson
Role: Legislative/Advocacy Chair
Degree Candidacy: MD
Previous Degree: Biomedical Engineering, M. Eng (Cornell University);
Sociology/Environmental Biology, BS (University of California, Berkeley)
Current Professional School: Howard University College of Medicine
Year of Graduation: 2026
Bio: Brianna Watson is passionate about health policy, given her various internships and
fellowships on Capitol Hill: Fall 2020 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Intern, 2022
Women's Congressional Policy Institute Fellow in Congresswoman Robin Kelly's office, and
2024-2025 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Fellow in Congresswoman Terri Sewell's
office. Brianna's future career goals include working at the intersection of clinical research,
medicine, and policy, focusing on improving healthcare access and outcomes.
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Alicia Edwards
Role: Logistics Chair
Degree Candidacy: MD
Previous Degree: MS
Current Professional School: Howard University College of Medicine
Year of Graduation: 2026
Bio: Alicia Edwards, a Savannah native and Spelman College graduate, was inspired by her
mentors to pursue medicine and advocate for underserved communities, leading her to attend
Howard University College of Medicine. Her research focuses on skin conditions
disproportionately affecting patients of color, such as alopecia, hidradenitis suppurativa, and
vitiligo. Through leadership roles in various medical organizations, she works to create
opportunities for underrepresented students and aims to provide equitable, inclusive care while
influencing systemic change in healthcare.
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Jess (Woori) Lee
Role: Topic/Issue Lead
Degree Candidacy: MD
Previous Degree: BS
Current Professional School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
Year of Graduation: 2027
Bio: I got involved in DTAD to help advocate for better access to dermatologic care, especially
for underserved communities, combining my interests in policy, public health, and patient
advocacy.
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Nikkia Zarabian
Role: Topic/Issue Lead
Degree Candidacy: MD
Previous Degree: BS (Major: Neuroscience, Minor: Psychology and Biology)
Current Professional School: George Washington University School of Medicine
Year of Graduation: 2026
Bio: Getting involved in DC DTAD as a medical student is a valuable opportunity to engage in
the discussion and development of policies that shape the future of dermatology education and
practice. As someone interested in health policy, being part of this group allows me to advocate
for systemic improvements while collaborating with like-minded individuals to influence the
direction of both the specialty and healthcare at large.
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Monika Bapna
Role: Communications & Social Media Chair
Degree Candidacy: MD
Previous Degree: BS, Georgetown University
Current Professional School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
Year of Graduation: 2026
Bio: I joined DTAG to help bridge the gap between dermatology and public health by fostering
discussions on access to care, health equity, and innovation in the field. Through collaboration
and education, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and informed dermatologic community.
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Anastasia Chajecki
Role: Marketing & Recruitment Chair
Degree Candidacy: MD
Previous Degree: Post-Baccalaureate, Johns Hopkins University; BS, Biomedical Sciences
(Honors; University College London)
Current Professional School: George Washington University School of Medicine
Year of Graduation: 2027
Bio: Anastasia’s interest in dermatology advocacy comes from her prior research
experience working with vulnerable populations and a strong desire to advance equity,
inclusion, and accessibility in dermatologic care.
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Umayr Shaikh
Role: Research Coordinator
Degree Candidacy: MD
Previous Degree: Masters in Public Health (The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and
Clinical Practice)
Current Professional School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
Year of Graduation: 2027
Bio: I chose to become involved with DTAG because of my tremendous passion for public
policy and its intersection with dermatology. Dermatology is a field that truly every person can
relate to, and changes that affect the field undoubtedly cascade and affect everything from large
scale regulation to day-to-day decisions made my people who simply care about their skin. I
want to play as active of a role as I can in helping shape the future of dermatology through
advocacy.