Charity Russell

Charity Russell is a second-year medical student at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Originally from Long Island, NY, she earned her bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Education Studies from Wesleyan University, where she developed a deep interest in the intersection of advocacy, education, and health. Her path to medicine began with her work as a doula, where she supported patients through some of life’s most vulnerable moments. That commitment to patient-centered advocacy continues to shape her medical journey.

Charity’s passion for dermatology took root after working for two years in a dermatology practice and volunteering on a medical mission in Brandon Hill, Jamaica with the LJDR Davis Foundation. There, she witnessed firsthand the diagnostic challenges and disparities that arise when treating skin of color—an experience that further cemented her goal of becoming a dermatologist committed to equity in care.

At Pritzker, Charity serves as Co-Director of the Dermatology Interest Group, where she leads efforts to increase dermatologic access and education for patients on Chicago’s South Side. She also volunteers with IMPACT Melanoma, where she advocates for skin education and sun safety. She also educates local hairstylists on how to identify signs of skin cancer, empowering them to be health advocates within their communities on the South Side.

Her clinical and research interests include skin of color, alopecia, hidradenitis suppurativa and community-based dermatology education. As a member of the VisualDx Student Advisory Board, Charity is excited to help advance diagnostic equity and improve representation in dermatology.