My name is Justin Sacksner, and I am a second-year Medical Student at McGill University from Montreal. Before starting medical school, I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering. Diagnosed with vitiligo at 14, I have developed a deep interest in dermatology and am actively involved in the McGill Dermatology Interest Club. In my spare time, I have been a volunteer at a local dog shelter for three years. I am passionate about sharing my journey and contributing to the vitiligo community.

I developed vitiligo during my teens and it all began after a cruise with my mom to the Caribbean, where I experienced, what I considered at the time a ‘ bad sunburn’. Upon returning home, the sunburn didn’t seem to fully heal. After about six months of persistent skin changes and no improvement, I visited a dermatologist, who diagnosed me with vitiligo, on the spot. This unexpected diagnosis marked the beginning of a profound lifelong journey with vitiligo.

My initial reaction to the diagnosis was fear and uncertainty. Teenage years are challenging enough without patches on your face, and receiving a diagnosis of vitiligo added another layer of insecurity. Hearing from the dermatologist that there were little to no effective treatments available at the time was daunting. I felt overwhelmed by the prospect of dealing with a condition with limited options for management. Additionally, I felt a profound sense of isolation because I didn’t know anyone else with vitiligo, which made the experience even more difficult.  Additionally, the diagnosis process happened quite quickly. The dermatologist used a special diagnostic tool, a Wood’s lamp, to examine my skin under ultraviolet light, which helped confirm the presence of vitiligo. However, after the initial diagnosis, there was not much follow-up or guidance on how to manage the condition. I was prescribed topical ointment therapy, which I hoped would offer some relief, but unfortunately, was not effective for me. As a result, I felt discouraged and eventually gave up on treatment. The lack of effective options and follow-up support left me feeling uncertain about how to proceed. Due to my busy schedule, I couldn’t pursue UV therapy, so I turned to concealers and cover-ups. As a high school male student at the time, this was particularly challenging and stigmatizing. 

Having vitiligo made me feel profoundly alone and scared, especially in the early years. As the condition spread, I experienced an increasing sense of lack of control over my own body. I noticed people staring, which only intensified my feelings of insecurity. I went to great lengths to conceal my skin hoping to avoid drawing attention. One particularly poignant moment was when a woman asked if I had been burned in a fire. Her comment, though perhaps innocent in intent, struck a deep chord and made me realize how challenging it could be to navigate the social and emotional aspects of living with vitiligo. How would I respond to comments like this? Did I have a responsibility to educate people about the condition, in situations like this? 

My personal experience with vitiligo has profoundly shaped my journey and aspirations. My skin condition and the challenges I faced with healthcare sparked a deep passion for dermatology and advocacy. Instead of letting my struggles hold me back, I used them as a driving force to ignite my interest in medicine, immunology, and autoimmune illnesses. My unique perspective as a medical student with vitiligo allows me to empathize with and advocate for others facing similar challenges. I actively share my story to raise awareness and support for those dealing with vitiligo and other skin conditions. By using my voice and experiences, I aim to foster understanding, provide encouragement, and contribute to the field of medicine, all while advocating for improved support and treatments for vitiligo and other highly stigmatized autoimmune conditions. 

I am now much more comfortable in my skin. I’ve embraced vitiligo as a part of who I am, and this acceptance has brought me a sense of peace. While I continue to protect my skin with sunscreen and stay mindful of my condition, I am less worried about it spreading. Since reading a book or listening to music in the sun is something I enjoy, I make it work by hiding my face under a towel or wearing a hat. Accepting my vitiligo as a part of my identity has allowed me to focus on the positives it has brought into my life. Of course, I still experience moments of self-consciousness—being human, it’s natural to have those feelings. However, my journey with vitiligo has led me to a place of greater self-acceptance and has significantly influenced my current studies and future career aspirations. I feel blessed that my experiences have guided me toward a passion for medicine and have given me a unique perspective that I can use to help others.

If I could go back and share something with my younger self, it would be to focus on self-acceptance and seek support early on. Understanding that it’s okay to feel vulnerable and reaching out to others with similar experiences can make a significant difference. I wish I had known that my journey with vitiligo could be a source of strength and inspiration, rather than just a challenge. Embracing this mindset has been crucial in my personal growth and my pursuit of a career in dermatology. I would also tell myself to never let others diminish or belittle my experiences. I am fortunate enough to have a natural pale complexion, so it only really becomes apparent in the warm summer months, however, this still has a major impact on my day-to-day. 

Additionally, finding what works for you is so important. Whether it’s a specific treatment, product, or coping mechanism, it is a personal journey. It’s okay to experience setbacks and moments of self-consciousness; these are part of the process. We are all on our own journey. Also, staying informed about new advancements, such as emerging treatments like JAK inhibitors, can offer hope and new options for managing the condition. Luckily as a medical student I hear about them, but it is important for others to try and stay informed! Most importantly, support and self-compassion play vital roles. Sharing your story, seeking support from others, and giving yourself grace can make a significant difference in how you navigate your journey with vitiligo. Remember, you are not alone, and there is a community ready to support and uplift each other.

I believe that hearing about personal experiences can provide comfort and motivation. By sharing my story and the lessons I’ve learned, I aim to offer hope and practical advice for managing vitiligo. Whether it’s finding effective treatments, embracing self-acceptance, or staying informed about new advancements, I hope that my experiences resonate with others and provide them with valuable insights and encouragement. I would be extra happy if my story were to even encourage one person to explore a career in medicine.

You can follow my experiences and updates on Instagram @JustinSacksner.