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Women in Medicine: Janelle N. Ruiz, MD, MS

During September, we proudly feature trainees in our department for Women in Medicine Month!

Why did you pursue a career in medicine?

I have wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember. My uncle, an OB/GYN and the only doctor in my family, was my role model growing up. I recognized how much meaning he obtained from his work and wanted to follow that same road towards impacting the lives of others. In college, I studied biology and psychology, fascinated by the intersection of body and mind. I was eventually pulled towards dedicating my life to serving patients with mental health needs when I chose to go into psychiatry.

What is the most fulfilling part of your work?

Learning from my patients on a daily basis and impacting their lives in meaningful ways; growing as a physician through interactions with my talented, diverse colleagues; having educational opportunities to hone my teaching skills with medical students and other trainees; getting involved in impactful research in pediatric transplant psychiatry.

What advice would you give others who are considering embarking on a career in medicine?

It is a long road with training but the training itself is an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding journey. It is absolutely worth it.

Janelle N. Ruiz, MD, MS

Women in Medicine

We asked some of the #StanfordWIM in our department to share their stories - why they pursued a career in medicine, what their work focuses on, what the most fulfilling parts of their work are, and what advice they would give others starting in the field. Hear what they have to say!