Barbara Ruf

UConn School of Medicine, Class of 2014

Background: CT native. Graduate of Northwestern University with degree in psychology. Post-baccalaureate program, University of Pennsylvania.

Related Experience: Volunteer, Homeless Health Initiative affiliated with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Work as neuropsychometrist at Thomas Jefferson University conducting evaluations of special-needs, handicapped and minority patients. Psychiatric research assistant, Connecticut Mental Health Center, a treatment facility affiliated with Yale and serving uninsured New Haven-area residents. Volunteer, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago.

“My experiences have shown me how life stressors, lack of access to resources and prejudice can affect one’s health. I ultimately wish to provide quality mental healthcare to all people, regardless of gender, age, race, religion or economic status. Appropriate treatment and distribution of resources cannot be achieved without understanding the special circumstances and hurdles that characterize underserved populations.”