Meet the Face Behind the Screen: Hi, I’m Brooklyn!
By: Brooklyn A. Bradley, BS
Hey there, wonderful readers! I’m Brooklyn, and I’m thrilled to welcome you back (or if you are new, nice to e-meet you!) to the Westport Headache Institute. As you explore the website and our social media, you’ll discover a world where science, compassion, and the pursuit of holistic well-being converge. I want to take a moment to introduce myself and share the stories that have shaped my path in this incredible and rewarding field.
So, who is the person behind the blogs? What drives me to dedicate my life to medicine, and how did I get here? Join me as I unwrap the layers of my medical journey (which is only just starting), from the early days of my childhood to the moments that have solidified my decision to become a physician.
I grew up in a small town outside of Hartford, CT, and spent most of my childhood and high school years dancing competitively, being a cheerleader, and spending time with family and friends. I knew early on in life that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine, so some of the activities I did in high school reflected that. For example, I was a member of the Medical Minds Club, enrolled in science and medical-based courses, and volunteered at a local hospital. Following high school, I attended Sacred Heart University, where I majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry and Honors on the Pre-Medical track. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in three years, and graduated in May 2022.
I was introduced to Dr. Kuruvilla in October 2021, after expressing my interest in the field of neurology to one of her colleagues. Dr. Kuruvilla quickly became my mentor, where she taught me about the roles and responsibilities of neurologists and headache specialists, how to successfully write manuscripts, and the importance of professionalism in medicine. In the summer of 2022, Dr. Kuruvilla increased my responsibilities to include managing social media for the Westport Headache Institute, where I make content for both the website and Instagram page. Collaborating with Dr. Kuruvilla over the last two years has made a meaningful impact on not only my personal life, but also my passion for and continued commitment to the field of medicine.
Aside from my position at the Westport Headache Institute, I am a full-time postgraduate research associate in the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. While I have many responsibilities, my primary role is as a study coordinator for Yale’s THC-HIV and Dronabinol-HIV projects, where we are interested in the effects of cannabis on the immune-genome in people living with HIV (PLWH). One of the most important takeaways that I have from this position is the importance of quality of life – and how this is a factor all patient populations have in common. PLWH have been marginalized by society for years, and face stigma due to their diagnosis. This greatly affects their quality of life, including mental health, social health, and physical health. Quality of life is something so important to me, and I am motivated to incorporate it into my future career as a physician. I also have my own project on how the co-use of cannabis and cigarettes affects epigenetic age, which is a measurement that estimates a person’s biological age (based on changes in DNA) and takes into consideration environmental factors and aging. This experience has opened my eyes to the field of psychiatry, and while it is distinct from the treatment approaches and types of conditions addressed in neurology, both fields foster interdisciplinary collaboration and research advancements that continue to inspire me.
My ultimate goal is to become a physician who has a patient-centered approach, incorporates research into my care plan, and values each patient’s quality of life. In my position at Yale, I have witnessed how research can be incorporated into clinical care, and how it can impact the lives of patients and future generations. While there are many avenues of research, all of them can lead to the development of new treatments, therapies, and medical technologies that ultimately alleviate suffering and save lives. Thus, I hope to be involved in research as a medical student and beyond. As I mentioned in the previous paragraph, I am extremely passionate about quality of life, and am dedicated to emphasizing the importance of addressing not only the illness but also the patient’s quality of life. Each patient has values, preferences, and goals that should be taken into consideration. Most importantly, patients deserve to feel seen and heard, and I am determined to establish this with my future patients.
While medicine is a significant part of my life, I also find solace in other pursuits. When I’m not working, you can often find me reading a book, dancing, painting, or baking pastries. I am what some consider a Disney adult, so I love to watch Disney movies and visit Disney parks. Sharing these experiences with family and friends has created opportunities for me to bond with others and create cherished memories. Another fun fact about me is that I love Broadway, and my favorite shows include Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, and Chicago. My dance background has definitely influenced that passion of mine, as my favorite dance style was, you guessed it, musical theater. Having all of these hobbies and interests allows me to return to my professional responsibilities with a fresher perspective and new ideas.
Before we wrap up, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Kuruvilla for her continued support of my journey to becoming a physician, and to all those who follow the Westport Headache Institute. The world of medicine is not just a profession for me; it’s a lifelong passion and a calling. I continue to find inspiration everyday and look forward to the many experiences to come.
Stay tuned for more content at the Westport Headache Institute. Until then, take care and talk to you soon!
– Brooklyn