👩‍⚕️ In today’s fast-paced healthcare system, one question echoes louder than ever: How do we humanize medicine? 🌍 It’s a question we explored with Dr. Stephanie Moss, a first-year Psychiatry resident at Rosalind Franklin University. She is a passionate advocate for mental health and addressing healthcare disparities, especially for marginalized communities. Her story is one of resilience, empathy, and the power of advocacy.

A Dreamer’s Path to Medicine 🩺

Dr. Moss didn’t always dream of becoming a doctor. In fact, she didn’t have any family members in the medical field. Growing up, Stephanie was a curious child fascinated by science, math, and even space travel 🚀. But it wasn’t until a pivotal moment in high school, when she witnessed a teacher having a seizure, that her path to medicine became clear. “That moment pushed me to get my EMT certification and explore the world of medicine,” Dr. Moss shares.

From a science enthusiast to a dedicated medical professional, her journey is a testament to the power of following your instincts and passions, even when they take you into the unknown.

Struggles, Triumphs, and Mental Health 🌱

Dr. Moss’ journey through medical school wasn’t easy. Balancing personal health challenges, financial struggles, and the academic rigors of medical school would test anyone. At one point, she even had to step away from her studies due to a combination of her own health struggles and the pressures of the pandemic.

“I remember being on Medicaid and food stamps, and it felt like I was barely hanging on,” she recalls. But with the support of her husband, also a medical student, Dr. Moss found the strength to push forward. She highlights the importance of a support system, whether it’s a family member, friend, or community. 💪

One thing she learned during her time away from school was the value of humanity in medicine. As a Latina and an advocate for mental health, she recognized that doctors, too, need to be seen as human—not just for their patients but for themselves.

Advocacy and Humanizing Medicine 🤲

Dr. Moss is on a mission to change how healthcare professionals view their patients. For her, medicine isn’t just about treating symptoms; it’s about treating the whole person. That’s why her advocacy extends beyond the clinic and into the community. As co-founder of the Chicago Homelessness and Health Response Group for Equity, she worked on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect unsheltered populations who were at heightened risk.

She also draws on her own experiences as a patient to make healthcare more inclusive. “I needed to find a medical program that saw me as a person, not just as another student or number. That’s the kind of humanity I want to bring to my own practice,” Dr. Moss shares.

Her podcast, Life as a Patient Doctor, is an extension of this mission. She created the platform to share her story and amplify the voices of others in healthcare—students, doctors, nurses, and patients alike. 🎙️