Research Trainee Spotlight: Ruby Barq, MD

As a medical student, it did not take long for Ruby Barq, MD, to realize the importance of research.

“I quickly saw that the foundation of this field is evidence-based,” says Dr. Barq. “Participating in research provides me with an invaluable opportunity to contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge and improve patient care on a broader scale. Additionally, I believe that a robust understanding of the research process is essential for delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care.”

A general surgery resident at Virginia Commonwealth University Health, she is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at CHLA and is pursuing a master’s degree at USC in clinical, biomedical and translational investigations. At CHLA, she works in the lab of Lorraine Kelley-Quon, MD, to investigate how infants’ hospital opioid exposures affect their neurodevelopmental outcomes.

“We hope to standardize the treatment of pain in high-risk infants in order to minimize the adverse effects that opioids have on brain development,” Dr. Barq explains.

Originally from Orlando, Florida, her goal is not only to become a pediatric surgeon, but to also use her skills to improve access to surgical and preventive health care in the Middle East.

“I am a second-generation immigrant with Syrian and Palestinian roots,” she shares. “I want to use the opportunities I have had for my education and training to ultimately benefit my community.”

In her free time, Dr. Barq enjoys hiking, cooking for friends and family, going on road trips and practicing yoga.