ElevateMeD Scholar: Ruth Amaku

Meet Ruth Amaku

ElevateMeD Scholar 2025-26

Ruth Amaku has found purpose in medicine from her own journey in sports. She believed that her journey exposed the importance of general wellness, and looks forward to applying this in her future journey as a sports medicine physician.

• Hometown: Houston, Texas

• Medical Education: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville

• Undergraduate Education: Sam Houston State University in Health Sciences

• Current Career Plan: Become a well-rounded physiatrist specializing in neuromusculoskeletal care, treating both adults and children with acute and chronic injuries. I also desire to establish a community-based program dedicated to promoting physical wellness and injury prevention. Additionally, I aspire to spend a portion of my career serving as a team physician for a sports organization, combining my passion for sports medicine with community engagement.

• Specialty Interest: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

• I am most proud of how far I’ve come as I reflect on my journey from my post-baccalaureate years to now. The path to medical school was not without its challenges, but what once felt like detours became opportunities that shaped me in ways I never expected. From conducting clinical research at a leading cancer institution to intentionally developing my public speaking skills and serving individuals experiencing homelessness in Houston, the post-baccalaureate years made me a more effective and empathetic medical student. Most importantly, because of how far God has brought me, I can now encourage other aspiring physicians through the uniqueness of my story and remind them to trust the process.

• You might be surprised to know that I have held the 400-meter hurdle record at my undergraduate institution since 2015.

• ElevateMeD is… an organization truly committed to shaping the field of healthcare for the better by cultivating a theme of excellence in the next generation of diverse physician leaders. Each of the pillars—from tailored mentorship and executive leadership training to comprehensive financial management education—was intentionally structured to build opportunities for medical students that they can utilize for years to come. With ElevateMeD’s support, I’m excited to keep growing into the physician I’ve always dreamt of becoming—one who embodies excellence, leads with a deep sense of purpose, and changes lives for the better.