Season 5, Episode 8: In Conversation with Lauren Schoeller
→ Who?: Lauren Schoeller grew up in a small New Hampshire town, attending the University of New Hampshire for undergrad. She completed her Master’s in Biomedical Sciences through Tufts University School of Medicine and is applying to medical school as an aspiring orthopedic surgeon. Now, she is a Clinical Assistant in Boston, MA, with prior experience in clinical research.
She was born with a rare genetic condition called Conradi-Hunermann Syndrome, which primarily impacts the musculoskeletal system, but also affects her hearing, vision, and skin. Lauren has undergone nearly 30 surgeries, ranging from limb lengthenings, a spinal fusion, hip reconstructions, and others in order to regain functionality and reduce pain. Patient advocacy is one of her greatest passions that stemmed from her experiences as a patient and has informed her perspective as a future healthcare professional. She is an Executive Board Member for Miles4Hips, a patient-driven hip dysplasia organization, the Director of Beautifully Made Community, a limb difference advocacy organization, and has most recently joined the Young Adult Rare Representatives through the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases to take an active role in advocating for policy impacting the rare disease community. In her free time, Lauren enjoys exploring Boston, spending time with friends and family, and staying active— she is training for her first triathlon!
→ Rare Disease Connection: Lauren is a rare disease and advocate patient living with Conradi-Hunermann Syndrome.
→ What is Conradi-Hunermann Syndrome?: It primarily impacts the musculoskeletal system, but also affects her hearing, vision, and skin. Lauren has undergone nearly 30 surgeries, ranging from limb lengthenings, a spinal fusion, hip reconstructions, and others in order to regain functionality and reduce pain.
→ Where to find Lauren?:
@lauren.schoeller
@patientperspectivespod
→ Resources Lauren shared:
@beautifullymade_community
@miles4hips