Dr. Ruby: The Visionary Behind Leave No Medic Behind
“No medical student should miss an examination because of financial hardship.” That simple but powerful belief has grown into one of the University of Nairobi Medical School’s most impactful student support initiatives—Leave No Medic Behind (LNB).
In this week’s Medic of the Week, Mastermind Medics TV (mTV) features Dr. Ruby, whose vision transformed a small student-led fundraising effort into a lasting movement that continues to support medical students while fostering a culture of solidarity, mentorship, and giving back.
Where It All Began
The story of Leave No Medic Behind dates back to 2017, when a fifth-year medical student was on the verge of being barred from sitting examinations due to an outstanding tuition balance of approximately KSh 20,000.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the student leadership approached Professor Chokwe for guidance. His challenge was straightforward: Could the students raise the money themselves?
Within a week, medical students mobilized, contributed what they could, and successfully raised the required amount. The student sat for the examinations.
That moment marked the birth of an idea that would later become Leave No Medic Behind—a movement founded on the principle that medical students should stand for one another during times of need.
From Grassroots Initiative to a Formal Trust
Between 2017 and 2021, LNB operated as a purely student-driven initiative. Contributions were collected informally through class representatives, particularly during examination periods whenever students required urgent financial assistance.
As the initiative continued to grow, Professor Chokwe recognized its potential for long-term sustainability. Working alongside the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) Nairobi Division, efforts began to formalize the initiative by establishing proper governance structures, financial systems, and an official bank account.
The fund was subsequently established under the Professor Hassan Saidi Memorial Educational Trust, named in honour of the late Professor Hassan Saidi—a distinguished surgeon, anatomy professor, and passionate advocate for financially vulnerable medical students.
Professor Hassan Saidi had quietly supported countless students throughout his career using his own personal resources. Naming the trust after him ensured that his legacy of generosity would continue to inspire future generations.
Today, while many students know the initiative simply as Leave No Medic Behind, the Trust serves as its legal and institutional foundation, allowing it to expand beyond a single fundraising activity into a sustainable educational support fund.
The Birth of the Leave No Medic Behind Run
While the fund already existed, Dr. Ruby believed there was an opportunity to make an even greater impact.
Around 2021, driven by her passion for running and wellness, she envisioned creating an AMSUN Running Club within the medical school. Beyond promoting physical and mental health, she had a bigger dream: organizing a charity run that would raise funds for Leave No Medic Behind.
That vision became reality on 4 June 2022, when the inaugural Leave No Medic Behind Charity Run was held.
“It was a difficult journey,” Dr. Ruby recalls. “We were figuring everything out as we went along. But God was faithful. He gave me an amazing team that carried the vision.”
Despite the uncertainties, the inaugural event exceeded expectations. Registration sold out, participants embraced the cause, and the organizers realized they had created something much bigger than a single event.
“We knew we were onto something that would outlive us.”
Building a Culture, Not Just an Event
Today, the Leave No Medic Behind Run has become more than a fundraiser.
It represents a culture of compassion, community, and collective responsibility within the medical fraternity.
One of the initiative’s defining strengths has been its deliberate emphasis on leadership succession and mentorship.
Every organizing team follows a structured transition model:
- First year: Learn.
- Second year: Lead.
- Third year: Mentor the next generation.
This intentional leadership pipeline has ensured continuity while empowering new student leaders to take ownership of the initiative.
“We plan one event, mentor one event, then transition,” Dr. Ruby explains. “That culture has allowed the initiative to continue growing.”
Looking Ahead
Having transitioned from founding Race Director to serving on the Board of Trustees, Dr. Ruby now focuses on the long-term future of Leave No Medic Behind.
One exciting vision is transforming the annual charity run into the premier reunion event for medical school alumni.
Her dream is simple but profound:
To bring together generations of doctors, their families, students, and supporters every year—not only to reconnect but also to invest in the education of future doctors.
“Doctors supporting doctors,” she says, “creating a tradition that continues for generations.”
A Legacy Beyond the Finish Line
When asked about his proudest moment, Dr. Ruby doesn’t point to the growth of the initiative or the thousands of participants it has attracted.
Instead, she remembers that very first race.
“It was the moment we realized this vision could outlive us.”
Today, Leave No Medic Behind continues to embody the spirit that inspired its creation in 2017: a belief that no medical student should have to abandon their dream because of financial hardship.
It is a reminder that sometimes, the greatest journeys begin not with a finish line, but with one community deciding that no one walks alone.
Medic of the Week is a Mastermind Medics TV (mTV) feature celebrating healthcare professionals whose leadership, innovation, and service continue to shape medicine and inspire the next generation.
