Challenging Injustice in Healthcare
This article appeared in the 2023 edition of Full Circle, Castilleja's annual magazine.
When Ruby Moreno ’12 walked into the Stanford Children’s Hospital for career day in 2010, she never imagined that experience would become such a meaningful touch point in her life. Fast forward 13 years: Ruby is now a resident in pediatrics.
EXPLORING PATHWAYS
While career day may have planted a seed for Ruby, she had already been tending to her garden. At Castilleja, Ruby participated in the Peninsula Bridge program, Halford Young Women Leaders program, and worked with children through the East Palo Alto Charter
School (EPACS). “I love working with middle-school-aged children and exposing them to pathways in medicine,” Ruby stated, as she reflected on running Halford’s Science Saturdays activity. Inspired by a summer program she participated in between graduation and starting college, Ruby approached Ms. Hurlbut, then-advisor of Halford, about updating their Science Saturdays curriculum to include a session on anatomy. Since Ruby stayed local for college, she returned to Castilleja those Saturdays to teach middle school girls about science.
Of course, Ruby’s involvement in her community only continued to blossom throughout her undergraduate years. A class about community health ignited something in Ruby: perhaps medicine could be a way to help people heal and live their happiest lives. Realizing that she wanted to treat patients who are underserved by our healthcare system, medical school seemed like a logical next step to fulfill her goal.
ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE
Ruby sought a mission-driven medical program. After joining the group “White Coats for Black Lives,” it became clear to Ruby that she wanted to do more than just practice medicine; she also wanted to advocate for changes in the healthcare system. From engaging in workshops for local middle and high school students interested in medical careers to actively participating in her residency-led DEI committee, Ruby certainly is making a difference. She sits on multiple subcommittees that are focused on “UIM” (Underrepresented in Medicine) recruitment, selection, and retention for increasing representation among both medical residents and faculty. Leading large-scale change requires both individual effort and the power of collective action. Unsurprisingly, Ruby is well poised to move the needle and lift others up in the process.
FROM INSPIRED TO INSPIRATIONAL
The courage Ruby and her colleagues embody to challenge institutional injustice stems from a shared commitment to learning and growth, two qualities Ruby valued during her years at Castilleja. “Coming from an environment like Castilleja, where we weren’t afraid to ask challenging questions, contributed to my ability to advocate for important changes,” she remarked. Sometimes, we must turn inward and ask ourselves pointed questions as we chart our own path. Regardless of which practice Ruby selects, she’s already made an impact.
The pollination of ideas and passion took root in one of her Halford students from many years ago. “It was so exciting to learn that this student is now pre-med in college and seeking a path in medicine,” Ruby joyfully stated. When small seeds are well cared for, they transform into a beautiful garden.