While studying at Northern Arizona University, Stacy Elizabeth Ruther had the opportunity to intern with the Health Partners program at North Country HealthCare. She worked directly with patients to address the social factors influencing their health. Prior to this, Stacy says she had limited awareness of the significant barriers people can face when it comes to health. Her experience in Health Partners entirely transformed her vision for her future role in medicine. She realized she wanted to become a physician who actively empowers patients through education and advocacy within her community. Shortly after her internship, Stacy graduated from NAU with a B.S. in Biomedical Science.
After some gap years spent in public health volunteer work and research in women’s health, Stacy took the leap into medical school. She started at the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix this year, and she hopes to continue growing as a patient advocate by participating in the Rural Health Professions Program. Eventually, Stacy would like to give back to the communities she grew up in by working as a rural health provider.
“Although I have a long way to go, I’m excited to see where my educational journey takes me, and I am incredibly grateful for the support I’ve had from my family, friends and mentors,” Stacy said.
We’ll be sharing profiles as part of a series, Supporting Every Step of the Health Career Journey, in honor of National Health Center Week. Learn more about how education moves the mission at Colorado Plateau Center for Health Professions.
