2022 Tillman Scholar
Chelsea Romero developed an early love for the arts, which propelled her to pursue a career in professional dance in New York City. While attendingThe Ailey School/Fordham University Bachelor of Fine Arts Program, she created a Senior Choreography Project focused on the intersection of voice and body, uplifting the experiences of survivors of sexual assault. A car accident post-graduation made an early end to Chelsea’s career in performance. Compelled to continue her advocacy work for survivors in a field with direct service, she completed her Postbaccalaureate Premedical Studies at Columbia University.
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Chelsea expanded her future in medicine and population health by enrolling in the dual Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health Program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. As a medical student, Chelsea has demonstrated humble leadership by advocating for women’s health, the LGBTQ+ population, and BIPOC communities through research, curriculum reform, and mentorship, most notably as President of Medical Students for Choice.
At The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Chelsea helped to develop the Women’s Health Scholarly Concentration, where she has been accepted into the Inaugural Scholars Class. She aims to complete residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology, where she can improve lives through patient-centered, trauma-informed care across the full spectrum of reproductive health. Chelsea intends to advocate for policy reforms centered on Reproductive Justice, enabling the population and her individual patients to choose care that aligns with their family-building goals and values.