Cecilia Romero, a second-year medical student at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), is a passionate leader at the Student Outreach Clinic (SOC), a free community clinic, operated by medical students under the direct supervision of licensed physicians, that serves uninsured and underinsured individuals in Northern Nevada. From her beginnings as an undergraduate volunteer to her current role as chief operations officer (COO), Romero has tirelessly championed the clinic’s mission to provide quality care to underserved communities.
Born and raised in Mexico, Romero immigrated to Las Vegas before moving to Reno for her undergraduate studies. Her journey into the world of medicine began during this time, when she started volunteering as an interpreter at the SOC. She quickly became ingrained in its mission. "I had friends who were interpreters at the clinic, and they told me about the opportunity to get involved. I applied and started volunteering," she said.
Her role expanded over time to Interpreter Liaison, where she is responsible for recruiting and training interpreters, all while continuing to contribute to the clinic's outreach efforts.
In her second year as a medical student at UNR Med, Romero assumed the position of COO. "I ran for the position, got elected, and began serving in January of last year. It has been over a year now," she said. As COO, Romero has collaborated closely with the CEO and the SOC board to streamline operations, enhance clinic services, and increase access to health care for those who need it most.
From left to right, medical students Anisha Makhija, Cecilia Romero, and Glen Jewel Lapira, with their research project titled, “Enhancing Medical Students’ Clinical Readiness.”Breaking barriers: Women in medicine
Romero’s dedication is inspiring, and she is equally vocal about the challenges women face in the medical field. In a profession historically dominated by men, women often encounter systemic obstacles, both on the clinical floor and within educational institutions.
“In medicine, women don’t always receive the same support as men,” Romero shared. She cited her experience with suturing during training, noting that many women, especially those with smaller hands, struggled with standard methods. “There was a fourth-year medical student who was going around to all the women specifically, teaching [us] ‘here's the way to still hold the materials if you have smaller hands and still do this effectively,’” she recalled.
Beyond physical barriers, Romero pointed out the larger societal challenge women face in balancing family life with a demanding medical career. "Women often have to navigate the right time to have children, juggling their career ambitions with personal aspirations. It's an issue rarely discussed openly, but one that needs attention," she reflected.
Romero is optimistic that the next generation of medical students will see a more inclusive environment. “Institutions like UNR Med must continue to engage in diversity training, to address the specific challenges women face. It's about adjusting the way we teach and accommodate the experiences of all students, regardless of gender," she said.
The power of resources in improving health care access
Romero has also become a fierce advocate for expanding access to health care, especially for marginalized communities. While the SOC has made great strides in providing medical services, she recognizes that health care inequality is a persistent challenge.
"We’re doing good work with language lines and translators, but there's always more that can be done, especially in areas like providing necessary medical supplies or medications to patients directly," she said. The cost of health care remains one of the biggest barriers to access, and Romero believes that with more resources and support, clinics like the SOC can have an even greater impact.
Her work at the SOC underscores her belief that medical education must evolve to include practical solutions for these systemic issues. Romero’s leadership in creating a comprehensive training manual for first-year students is just one example of how she is helping to shape future medical students.
Advice for women pursuing medicine – resilience and balance
When asked for advice for women entering the medical field, Romero urged them to cultivate resilience. “Medicine is incredibly challenging, and it can be even more so for women when you factor in the pressures of balancing family and career,” she said. “But it’s not impossible. With passion and commitment, you can find a way to make it work. It takes sacrifice, but it’s all worth it if you’re truly dedicated.”
Reflecting on her own journey, Romero admitted that the path to becoming a doctor isn’t easy, but it is deeply fulfilling. “It’s exhausting, and there are times when it feels like the end is so far away. But once you reach that point, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Romero’s impact on the Student Outreach Clinic and her advocacy for women in the medical profession offer an inspiring example of leadership, resilience and compassion. Her continued efforts not only improve health care for underserved populations but also pave the way for future generations of women in medicine, proving that with determination and support, they can overcome barriers and thrive in an evolving field.
