We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ingrid Gomez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ingrid below.

Alright, Ingrid thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style. Do you have an interesting story from that stage of your career that you can share with us?

This past summer, I had the honor of interning at NYU Langone Medical Center and Bellevue Hospital, where I gained invaluable insights into medicine as an art and as a calling. One experience that resonates deeply with me unfolded in the operating room. I was observing an internal fixation surgery led by Dr. Tina McLauren, a highly skilled and passionate Black female surgeon. She was instructing three Black doctors, with a Black medical student also observing, while afrobeats played in the background. It was surreal. Not only did I witness the surgical precision and mentorship of Dr. McLauren, but I also experienced a rare and empowering moment of representation and excellence in action. Dr. McLauren’s leadership was a perfect balance of warmth, humor, and high expectations, which inspired me deeply. It became clear that representation in medicine matters on a profoundly personal level, and I aspire to lead and mentor others with the same approachable yet rigorous spirit.

Another pivotal moment was observing a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy led by Dr. Jessica Rose, an enthusiastic and energetic surgeon who created a welcoming environment for her team. Seeing her energy and diligence in action, I felt in my spine that becoming an OB-GYN is my calling. Watching these women lead with such confidence and compassion showed me that surgery can be an act of empowerment, both for patients and for those of us aspiring to serve them. These experiences shaped not only my vision for my career but also my approach to leadership in medicine. I learned that to lead is to create an inclusive and encouraging environment, one where we uplift others, and this is a value I carry forward. Additionally, I learned about the power of leadership rooted in passion and inclusivity. In these experiences, I have found role models who balance high expectations with empathy—qualities I aim to embody in my future practice.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Ingrid Gomez, a dedicated patient advocate and aspiring physician deeply committed to health equity and personalized care. My journey began with a calling to support and empower patients within the healthcare system, particularly those facing unique challenges and systemic barriers. Witnessing the impact of individualized care at NYU Langone & Bellevue Hospital deepened my commitment to whole-person care, which I view as essential for true health justice. What sets me apart is my dedication to patient-centered care, grounded in health justice and equity. I want people to know that every patient lives a life with unique experiences that deserve respect and understanding. This journey and my work isn’t just my career; it’s my life’s calling to empower others on their path to wholeness. Furthermore, I often use my artistic hobbies such as storytelling, content creation, poetry, and photography to bring awareness to whole-person care, representation, and empowerment.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One book that has significantly influenced my leadership philosophy is Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek. It emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of trust and psychological safety within teams, where leaders prioritize their team members’ well-being. This aligns closely with my experiences as a patient advocate at NYU Langone Medical Center and Bellevue Hospital, where I learned firsthand how empowering patients and fellow team members leads to more effective collaboration and better care. I was particularly inspired by Dr. Lewis R. Goldfrank, who said, “Life and its experiences are very open to interpretation.” This insight has shaped my understanding of the diverse walks of life and how they present opportunities to connect with humanity. In my role as a patient advocate, I encountered individuals from various backgrounds, each with unique stories and needs. This taught me that fostering diversity is crucial not only for enhancing team dynamics, but also for creating an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued. Furthermore, I witnessed the contents of this book in action through Dr. Keyavash Rahnemoon, Associate Chief in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Rahnemoon inspired me with his empathetic approach to patient care. As an emergency medicine doctor, he exemplifies leadership and passion through his ability to listen and problem-solve while caring for the whole person. His practice has shown me the value of addressing both medical and emotional needs in patient care.

Ultimately, I aim to embody these principles in my future practice, fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes holistic care and health equity.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me lies in the ability to intertwine healthcare, social justice, and humanity through my creative work in photography and poetry. I find fulfillment in using my platform, A Black Girl’s Existence, to empower and highlight Black beauty and excellence. Additionally, utilizing my photography for my internship’s magazine allowed me to showcase the experiences of my cohort and staff at Bellevue Hospital, reinforcing the importance of storytelling in fostering understanding and connection within the community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bio.site/IngridGomez?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYtfQ7I13s4VzWnYHACCgPyAZucdOrB6QJXOLpJR-jXaZClNBdUKhja4yM_aem_cklt9DhUC7IuvUxy_iDO4w
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baybeauti/profilecard/?igsh=MTE4MXAyY3ZhdjNnNA==
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-gomez-3589311b6/