Your Medicine wins Rep. Buddy Carter’s 2024 Congressional App Challenge in Georgia’s First District

When asked what inspired the creation of Your Medicine, the student said, “From hearing about the tragic death of actress Brittany Murphy in 2009, I was inspired to build this app, YourMedicine. Murphy’s death was caused by acute pneumonia combined with the misuse of various medications. She had been suffering from flu-like symptoms and pneumonia but, instead of seeking professional medical care, she and those around her attempted to self-medicate. This led to a dangerous intake of over-the-counter drugs like painkillers, decongestants, and cough suppressants, along with prescription antibiotics, which ultimately resulted in her system being overwhelmed. None of the medications on their own were toxic, but the combination and excessive amounts contributed to respiratory failure and death. Shocked by Murphy’s death, I conducted more research about unintentional overdose due to lack of medical knowledge and realized that so many people are suffering from drugs’ risky interactions and side effects. Motivated by this case, I developed an app that seeks to prevent drug misuse by offering an easy-to-use tool that helps users determine whether a medication is safe for them based on their specific medical conditions. The app aims to bridge the knowledge gap that often leads to fatal outcomes like Murphy’s by providing accurate information about drugs. It helps users to make informed decisions about their health, avoiding dangerous medications or dosages that could worsen their conditions. ”